FIBRE

The Challenge

FIBRE was developed in response to a growing need across Calderdale. Many women and girls were experiencing isolation, poor mental wellbeing and a lack of opportunities to connect with others beyond their immediate communities. Economic hardship, social inequality and increasing cultural division had left many people feeling unheard, disconnected and uncertain about their future.

For over twenty years, Verd de Gris Arts has worked alongside communities facing these challenges. Through FIBRE, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, we created a long-term programme that used creativity not simply as an artistic activity, but as a way of improving wellbeing, building relationships and empowering women to shape their own lives and communities.

Our Approach

At the heart of FIBRE was the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing and that creativity can unlock confidence, resilience and belonging.

Across three years we delivered more than 300 creative sessions, welcoming women and girls from many different cultural, social and economic backgrounds into supportive spaces where they could explore identity, wellbeing and personal growth.

Each programme combined creative practice with mindfulness, movement, conversation, performance and shared reflection. Whether participants joined Behind the Mask, Lost Without a Map, Soul Space or No Shields, every course was carefully designed to meet women where they were, offering practical support while creating opportunities to build confidence and meaningful relationships.

Importantly, FIBRE was never about short-term intervention. Women were encouraged to continue their journey through the One Voice Collective, a vibrant community where participants continued to create together, support one another and develop new opportunities long after completing their first course.

Creating Connections

One of FIBRE's greatest achievements was bringing together women who may never otherwise have met.

Women from different generations, cultures, faiths and life experiences worked alongside one another, sharing stories, celebrating difference and discovering common ground. Creativity became the starting point for conversations that challenged assumptions, reduced isolation and built lasting friendships.

Together they produced performances, exhibitions, podcasts, public conversations and community events that celebrated local voices while encouraging wider discussions around wellbeing, belonging and equality.

These events were not simply performances; they became spaces where communities could meet, listen and learn from one another.

Growing Confidence and Leadership

As confidence developed, many participants chose to take on new roles within their communities.

Women who had initially joined because they lacked confidence progressed into volunteering, mentoring, public speaking and community leadership. Some co-designed conferences, collaborated with universities, contributed to health initiatives and informed discussions around social cohesion and mental wellbeing.

Their lived experience became recognised as expertise.

Rather than speaking for communities, Verd de Gris Arts supported women to speak for themselves, ensuring their voices were heard by local authorities, universities, health organisations and national partners.

The Impact

Over three years FIBRE delivered:

• More than 300 regular creative sessions.

• Over 400 women and girls engaged through regular and one-off activities.

• Twenty community events celebrating creativity and encouraging dialogue.

• Twelve meaningful partnerships with organisations across health, education, culture and local government.

• More than 3,000 audience members reached through performances, events and learning resources.

  
  

Behind every number is a personal story.

Women who once described themselves as isolated, anxious or lacking confidence began performing on stage, speaking at conferences, mentoring others and helping shape future programmes. Many continued their involvement through volunteering and leadership, creating a lasting cycle of support that continues beyond the life of the project.

Lasting Legacy

FIBRE has left a legacy that extends well beyond its funded programme.

The relationships built through One Voice continue to flourish, creating an active network of women who support one another and contribute to life across Calderdale. The project also strengthened Verd de Gris Arts' partnerships with universities, health organisations, local authorities and national policy organisations, ensuring the experiences of local women continue to influence future thinking around wellbeing, community cohesion and social change.

More importantly, FIBRE demonstrated that creativity is far more than an artistic activity. It is a powerful way of building confidence, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to become active participants in shaping the places where they live.

For Verd de Gris Arts, FIBRE represents the very best of what community arts can achieve: creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued, and where lasting change begins with conversation, creativity and human connection.