Our community of Disabled People designed our project. OPE's previous creative projects and employment support service, identified a pool of creative talent. Create to Market will enable these talented individals to share their skills, training others in specific arts and crafts. The unemployment rate for Disabled People is almost double that of non-disabled people. Many of our Disabled People want to learn how to sell their creations to earn extra income or start new a businsses. Create to Market offers routes to greater independence, out of poverty and closer to the employment market. The 10 week creative enterprise programme includes: a) Specialist creative classes to learn new skills b) Group creative sessions making together c) Enterprise and business skills workshops d) Experience of designing a product range e) Experience of coordinating an exhibition f) Sales and marketing experience online and in-person We want to showcase the talent of Disabled People.

What we'll deliver:

• 10 week creative enterprise programme
• 1 public exhibition of creative produce
• 1 pop-up sale of the products

Why it's a great idea:

Create to Market is for Disabled People in Redbridge; including those with a learning disability, lived experience of mental ill-health and the neurodiverse. Our project will provide space for creative expression, improved mental and physical wellbeing by tackling loneliness and providing meaningful activity. As well as getting specialist teaching in craft and creative activities, the project will: • improve self-esteem and confidence • develop communication and social skills • enable people to work as part of a group The unemployment rate for disabled people is double that of the non-disabled. This project will nurture employment and enterprise skills. This will include practical experience of business planning, pricing, marketing and sales. Due to the impact of disability and long-term health conditions, many of our community struggle on low incomes. This project empowers people out of poverty by creating new income opportunities and testing a new business ideas.

Steps to get it done:

• Project schedule and publicity materials launched
• Creative Lead Tutor recruited
• Volunteers and Peer Tutors recruited
• Programme commences
• Exhibition and sales complete

The project will provide training to develop the arts and crafts skills base in Redbridge. Whether for leisure, wellbeing, or employment. Create to Market will deliver volunteering and paid work opportunities for Disabled People in training, events management, marketing, and sales. Disabled People have identified a real interest in making and learning ways to generate an income from their creative talents. This project puts their ideas into action. A core theme to this project will be exploring ways to reuse, repurpose and upcycle. With a focus on protecting the environment. Our focus is empowering people to challenge stigma and stereotypes of disability and mental health. This project will showcase their talent and potential. It will also increase participation in the leadership and delivery of our work.