This study summarizes the experiences and impact of participants in the Fabric arts project run by Action Factory, a charity in Blackburn, England. The project aimed to provide creative arts activities to promote well-being in the community. Through interviews with 5 participants, the study found themes of increased confidence, self-esteem, education, and socialization. Notably, participants expressed that being able to tell their own stories and perform their work gave them a voice and feeling of achievement. The woven threads drama was particularly impactful in bringing the diverse community members together. In conclusion, involvement in the project was found to increase overall well-being for participants.

1. Woven Threads: A
Retrospective Qualitative
Study.
Sharon Neill
University Centre at Blackburn
College

2. Action Factory
Action Factory is a registered charity
that provides free participatory arts
within the community of Blackburn
and Darwen.

3. The Strategic Needs
Assessment Study (2012)
• Blackburn and Darwen are within
the highest 17% for poverty and
deprivation.
• They are also within the highest
20% of mental health issues, such
as mood disorders of anxiety and
depression (Strategic Needs
Assessment Study, 2012)

4. Research Requirements
• The research required a subjective
view into participants experiences
and any increase in wellbeing.
• That could the be utilised for
funding applications,
• What worked well and what could
be improved

5. Fabric
The project was funded by the Arts
Council England and it was a
development of existing areas of
work. Arts in mental health, Refuge,
Asylum seekers, Migrant
Communities, and also working with
new and established artists.

6. Other Studies
• Becoming involved with creative
activities allows self expression
and can create emotional resilience
by allowing individuals to channel
emotion creatively (Lally,2009).

7. Theories
• Broaden and Build Theory
(Fredrickson,2001).
• experiencing positive emotions
• emotional resilience
• Self Determination Theory
(Deci and Ryan,2000).
• Self-motivation and self- worth

8. Participants
• A maximum variation sample of 5
participants.
• 3 Females, 2 Males
• Age range between young adult
and retired.
• Diverse backgrounds.

9. Methodology
• Semi structured interview was used
for the participants and the creative
facilitator.
• Thematic and discourse analysis.
• Pilot study.
• Research adhered to the BPS code
of ethics (BPS,2007).

10. Model of Themes
Confidenc
e
Well-being
Motivation
Education
Socialisation
&
Relationship
s
Self-
Esteem

11. Model of Education
Well-being
Creativity
Education
Cultural
New Skills
Expressing
Life
Experiences

12. Education:
More than formal learning
“From training and learning how to,
how to speak…when your acting…
the back person has to hear you….
how to make us relax as well.” (T3,
76, 79)

13. Education: Giving them a
voice
“It’s really worthwhile people working
on their own stories because it’s
validating their own experience. It’s
kind of showing that… you have got
something to say.” (T6, 391, 392)

14. Socialisation and
relationships
“Because eighteen months ago, two
years ago I wouldn’t have sat here
talking to you nothing would have
come out of my mouth.” (T2, 475)

15. Self-esteem
“I never thought I’d ever , never ever
get up on stage...never thought I’d
ever be able to talk in front of
people…you know like I did do, you
know, never... its opened my eyes up
to hidden talent.” (T2, 635)

16. Motivation to help others
“I'm working alongside a charity at
the moment called Somewhere Too”.
(T4,47)

17. Confidence from
achievement
“In English, all in English and the
audience were…the majority of them
yeah were let’s say, 90% English
people” (T1, 302)

18. The Woven Threads Drama
• The Woven Threads Drama was
articulated as the most memorable
aspect of the project to increase
individuals well-being.

19. The Woven Threads Drama
• The ropes represent weaving
together the threads that make the
fabric of the community.

20. Animate
“But I also saw them come
together… as a group and I saw
them really animate an interesting
space.” (T6, 342)

21. Discussion
• The results of the study
identified that being involved
within the fabric project did
increase individuals overall
well-being .
• The participants within the
study were diverse. However,
the themes that emerged,
represent similarities of
motivation, increased self
esteem and confidence.

22. Expression through creativity
The project provided an environment
that diverse individuals could express
and channel emotion creatively.

23. Poem written for mental health
week.
Depression is a deep place in the mind.
Can’t see it !
Pills and potions don’t always work.
Can’t get to it !
At that deepest time, tears, tears ,and more tears.
Sat in darkness alone.
Can’t speak no words, mind gone to sleep
For how long, who knows .
Walking can’t, legs wont work!
Hands no touch, lift or feel.
It’s the loneliest of places.
Not ready to get out, mind won’t allow.
Is the mind trying to re-organise itself ?
It blew up you know, to much to face.
If you can work hard, try and understand
What was the cause.
Perhaps many things, a lifetime out of your control,
A few years on can now look back at that Black time.
Who cared for me , looked after me, helped get my life back on track.
Saying thanks‘, not enough!
I was a debilitated wreck, defenceless.
Mmmm! But always, remember those who took the piss!!!

24. Acknowledgements.
I would like to thank the Action
Factory for this opportunity.
Contacts: Telephone 01254 679335
http://www.actionfactory.org/

25. Thank you for listening!
Please feel free to ask
questions.