The idea
OVERSPILL is a performing arts & landscape project that invites people to slow down, observe, reflect, & express themselves in non-clinical, collaborative environments supportive of emotional well-being. Delivered by DBS cert. artists through:
3 arts/geology field trips to The Warren; Samphire Hoe; Dover Cliffs
20 arts response workshops
public showcase
Est. Reach - 189
Participants: 40 x adult, 20 x 8 to 11yrs
5 local artists, 4 volunteers
Audience: 120
Beneficiaries include neuro-diverse adults & children facing isolation & longterm mental health challenge & living in South Kent.
Outdoor creative activity with natural material, encourages mindfulness, curiosity, & emotional expression. Such processes help regulate stress, build confidence, foster resilience and experience a sense of achievement. OVERSPILL prioritises process over outcome, allowing people to engage at their own pace & is particularly supportive for those experiencing anxiety, low mood, or social isolation.
What we'll deliver
- 20 performing arts & geology workshops
- 3 outdoor coastal exploration sessions
- 1 public showcase
Why it's a great idea
Improved resilience & easing of anxiety in regard to the notion of “change”.
Enhanced sense of belonging through new friendships and creative collaboration.
Greater wellbeing through facilitated time spent outdoors with others.
Strengthened creative confidence that invites participants to communicate emotions difficult to articulate verbally, & helps to illuminate conversations around mental wellbeing.
- Development of practical skills, ideas, & inspiration that can be continued independently, supporting long-term engagement in creative well-being hobbies beyond the project.
OVERSPILL will work closely with:
Children 8 to 11 yr & older adults, incl: people who are neurodiverse; at risk of social isolation; facing mental health challenges; visually impaired.
PREVIOUS BENEFICIARIES SAY
“Talking to people & seeing how supportive everyone is to each other - I felt like I belonged”
“My confidence really grew through being involved in so many activities & meeting new people"
Steps to get it done
- Securing the main funding strands and delivery team
- Contracting Artists and MOUs with partners
- Beginning of PR and Comms campaign
- Stage one - First Drop site visits and creative workshops begin and baseline eval capture
- Review
- Stage 2 - Cascade - Main part of the project takes place upskilling and in collaboration with community participants
- All elements created and finalised for the finale events
- Stage 3 - Overspill - Performances, finale rehearsals and eval
