Cultivating Wellbeing: Empathy, Patience & Deep Transformation
Meeting Women Where They Are: Tailoring Progression to Individual Needs
Verd de gris arts has over 20 years’ experience of working with marginalised women in various parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire to change their lives for the better through the power that art / creativity has to help people to connect with others, build their self-confidence, and become empowered to find their voice, express themselves and take control of issues and concerns in their lives. The majority of VDG’s work is with women/girls who have very little (or a complete lack of) self-confidence and esteem, promoting progression towards social engagement, education, training, volunteering, work and wellbeing/health.
Verd de gris arts has developed and implemented core programmes and a variety of supportive provision for/with marginalised women with complex needs, most notably: work funded by National Lottery Community Fund, European Social Fund & UKSPF, using creativity as a tool for social re-engagement and and empowerment and helping women form a community in which they can support each other to stay connected and well, specifically:
BEHIND THE MASK: a proven methodology working to support women with low confidence or living with a variety of issues impacting their quality of life and emotional resilience.
Behind The Mask fed into the development of new, specific courses like BEGIN 2 CHANGE, which has proved to be hugely successful as an effective way of supporting women to make systematic, sustainable changes in their lives.
At a scale of 50+ participants, all participants (against a 90% target agreed with previous funders of the course) saw marked improvement in their sense of wellbeing, due to having been given confidence and space to explore issues that matter most to them in a supported environment, touching them in a deep way. Furthermore, the rate of progression into each of various ‘concrete positive outcomes’ – paid employment, training or volunteering – was impressive, thanks to the blending of 1:1 support and empathetic, sensitive, supportive group work with peers (participants and project workers) in similarly challenging situations.
Equally important is the achievement of first-step or early-steps progression milestones, such as the women who are engaging with society for the first time in decades, or who have been able to leave their home on their own or say ‘yes’ to positive opportunities for the first time in many years, or who have gone on to attend other courses/projects and to benefit from those – thereby being in a better position to engage with and benefit from further support, going forward.
“My confidence and belief has grown. I manage my anxiety, and the ‘freeze or flight’ response which crippled me before is now something I own – every day!”
Deborah, Participant
“No doctor, no counsellor has done as much for me as this course!”
Sophia, Participant
CASE STUDIES
JADE with ONE VOICE COLLECTIVE
Jade’s Journey: from inspiring growth and impact
Jade joined verd de gris arts in 2023. She had experienced childhood trauma and struggled with depression low confidence, self-esteem and mild learning disabilities, which made education and moving forward with life difficult for her.
Progress:
Jade started with a small, gentle, supportive group sessions and continued with the Behind the Mask and Begin 2 Change courses. She gradually developed confidence, self belief, self worth and skills. In time, she joined our One Voice Collective – taking part in arts and women’s health advocacy events. Jade began volunteering work soon after.
Achievements and Impact:
– through VDG Jade volunteered with local charity LEAD THE WAY to support adults with learning disabilities
– Mentored Year 6 girls at a local primary school – using her lived experience to help build the girls’ confidence and self-esteem
– Performed on stage at the KING CENTRE, Halifax as part of #IWD25
– Addressed local women’s groups and other health forums – advocating for social change through empowerment and collective action
– Became a regular member of our weekly One Voice Collective
– Thanks to her time on the Begin 2 Change course, jade enrolled at Calderdale Adult Learning
– Shortlisted for West Yorkshire Adult Learner Award 2025 (Giving Back category)
– Named an ‘Inspirational Adult Learner’ by Calderdale Adult Learning
Jade has shown remarkable growth and progression towards her goal – from someone who doubted herself, she has become a confident mentor and advocate.
She now uses her experience to make a real difference to others in her community. We are all extremely proud of Jade and her achievements and continued progress
S’s Journey: Finding Her Voice
S joined verd de gris arts in 2020 after experiencing years of trauma and limited opportunities due to lack of education. Struggling with depression and low self-worth, she initially found it difficult to leave her home or engage with new experiences.
Progress:
Through repeated participation in our Begin to Change and Behind the Mask programs, S developed trust and confidence. Her remarkable progress includes:
– Enrolling in college to learn reading and writing skills
– Receiving weekly one-to-one reading and writing support from a volunteer tutor
– Gradually embracing unfamiliar situations and environments
– Developing literacy skills at an impressive pace
Achievements and Impact:
– Became an active One Voice Collective member, performing at events
– Speaks openly at community education and advocacy events
– Mentors young girls in schools using her lived experience
– Regularly attends exhibitions about social change and women’s rights
– Uses her growing literacy skills to participate more fully in society
From isolation to active community participation, S’s journey demonstrates extraordinary courage. Her commitment to education and helping others inspires everyone at verd de gris. We celebrate every step of her ongoing transformation.
Hina’s Journey: From Unheard to Unstoppable
My name is Hina Gillani, from Pakistan – the land of four seasons. I didn’t want to be right, just understood. For someone to walk in my world and see through my eyes.
Not to argue.
Not to defend.
But to listen. To feel.
Progress with Verd de Gris:
Verd de Gris became my bridge between silence and voice. Here, I gained the confidence and self-worth to turn my pain into power. Their projects taught me: my story matters.
– Still—I speak
– Not to win
– But to be seen
– To turn my ‘once hidden’ truth into tools for change.
Achievements and Impact:
– Created projects for Wow Festival and Women’s International Day
– Led school workshops on migration experiences
– Trustee for St Augustine’s, activist with Valley of Sanctuary
– Performed Refugee Week poetry at House of Lords
– From writer to DJ to conference speaker
– Advisory member for Verd de Gris, shaping their work
– Published in Writer’s Refuge anthology
– Key voice in planning and delivery of Calderdale South Aisian Heritage Festival
From Hina:
Verd de Gris helped me find what was lost:
My dignity. My self-respect. My voice.
Now I help others find theirs –
Because being heard changes everything.
Advisory Group member SOPHIA
Sophia’s Journey: From Isolation to Empowerment
Sophia joined verd de gris arts after two decades of living with debilitating anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, rarely leaving her house. These challenges left her unable to work and eroded her self-confidence. She struggled educationally, leaving school without qualifications, though anxiety and undiagnosed learning differences likely contributed.
Progress:
Through our Behind the Mask and Begin 2 Change programs, Sophia gradually rebuilt her trust in herself and others. Key steps included:
– Taking small risks to try new experiences
– Accepting support to return to education (now studying English at entry level)
– Developing coping strategies for anxiety and depression
Achievements and Impact:
– Became an active member of the One Voice Collective – taking part in arts and women’s health advocacy events
– Mentoring young women, helping them build confidence
– Serving on our ADVISORY GROUP, contributing to social change consultations
– Taking part in creative wellness retreats and encouraging newcomers to our group sessional work
– Advocates openly about mental health to reduce stigma
– Drawing from her own experiences, Sophia has worked with VDG to produce a mental health / inspirational journeys podcast
Sophia’s journey shows the transformative power of patience and peer support.
From isolation to community leadership, her courage in sharing her story helps others feel less alone.
We are honoured to witness her continued growth!
Podcast:
Whether you’re navigating your own mental health challenges or supporting someone who is, Sophia’s voice will leave a lasting impact.
You can listen to the full podcast (and other episodes)
Begin 2 Change is an empowerment course for women and has been funded through the European Social Fund Community Grants, UK Government UKSPF Levelling Up, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority & WY Business and Skills