Mapping Lives, Reigniting Dreams

Creativity for Women with Repeat Child Removals

Verd de Gris Arts was thrilled to have been awarded a grant from the Give Bradford / BD25 Creative Communities Fund and funding from PAUSE Bradford & Barnardos to celebrate BRADFORD25.

We used the funding to develop this exciting and meaningful creative project in collaboration with PAUSE / Barnardos, an organisation dedicated to assisting women who have experienced, or are at risk of, repeated pregnancies resulting in children being removed from their care.

‘These are some of the hardest women in society to reach. Sharon’s trauma informed approach truly is unique, the difference we saw in our participants was phenomenal. The impact of Sharon’s work continues to be evident, they have gone from strength to strength.’ Blair Beach, Social Worker & Team Manager – PAUSE Bradford

We wanted to include some of Bradford’s most overlooked client groups in the 2025 celebration of Bradford’s culture and heritage – giving them a sense of agency, learning and connection.

We also wanted to challenge negative representations of women from particular communities, both in terms of storyline and opportunities, raising awareness, giving voice and giving confidence.

Yesterday Sharon and Jeff were out and about delivering these beautiful Treasure Chests of the women’s writing and artwork to eight libraries across the city. Having the opportunity to link in with Bradford Libraries gives us a perfect platform to showcase the women’s wonderful and heartfelt creative writing.

The women have imaginatively expressed their thoughts and feelings of life in Bradford – through struggle and difficult times – their belief in the possibility of regaining agency over their life choices and their hopes for the future.

This initiative seeks to renew their sense of optimism and provided a much needed platform for their voices.

‘We are so excited to have this beautiful work of art and the women’s writing – we will be able to share with our local writing groups … and use the women’s words and art as prompts!’
Xanthe – Community Librarian, Bingley Library

‘This Treasure Chest is in good hands with us – We can see how people would take these words and keep them close. It will be exciting to see how they will find their way out into our local community … out into other people’s lives – what a beautiful idea!’
Carol and Lorraine – Community Librarians, Laisterdyke Library

“This work is vital, and the impact is clear – mobilising meaningful change across systems and, perhaps most powerfully, in the lives of the women whose transformational journeys are nothing short of inspirational.”
Stacey Durham – Research Fellow Creative Health Hub, University of Huddersfield

“This project is fantastic. It is great to see the women’s confidence shine through. It shows the impact of the great work that has been done”
Eram Khan – Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Officer, Bradford City Council

Step Into My World sees verd de gris arts working with PAUSE and Barnardos in Bradford and supported by GIVE BRADFORD as part of Bradford 2025 celebrations