Step Into My World

The Story

Creating Space for Voices to Be Heard

‘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

Some women spend much of their lives being spoken about rather than listened to.

Women who have experienced the repeated removal of children from their care often carry the weight of profound trauma, grief and stigma. Many have lived through abuse, poverty, addiction or mental ill health. Their experiences are frequently documented through reports and professional assessments, yet their own voices can remain unheard.

Step Into My World began with a different question.

What happens when women are given the time, trust and creative freedom to tell their own stories?

Working in partnership with PAUSE Bradford and Barnardo's, Verd de Gris Arts created a trauma-informed programme where creativity became a way of rebuilding confidence, rediscovering identity and reclaiming agency.

This project built on two successful projects with PAUSE Bradford - a film project, and a publication. Both were designed to help sector professionals

Our Approach

Trust came before creativity.

Every session was carefully shaped around the needs of the women, recognising that many had difficult experiences of education, group settings and formal services. There was no pressure to produce artwork or perform. Instead, creativity became a gentle way of exploring memories, hopes and identity at each participant's own pace.

Together the women created original artwork, poetry and creative writing that expressed their experiences of Bradford, belonging and hope for the future. Rather than presenting this work behind gallery walls, they co-designed a series of interactive Treasure Boxes—beautiful handcrafted installations containing artwork, affirmations and fragments of writing that invited members of the public to engage directly with their words. These were distributed through libraries across Bradford, taking the women's voices into everyday community spaces where people of all ages could encounter them.

The project culminated in a celebration event at Bradford Central Library, where participants read their own writing aloud before an audience of community members, local authority representatives and professionals. For many, it was the first time they had spoken publicly about their experiences.

Changing Perceptions

The project transformed more than the confidence of those taking part.

It challenged long-held assumptions about women whose lives are often defined by the most difficult chapters of their story.

Visitors encountered thoughtful, articulate and deeply moving reflections that revealed resilience, intelligence, humour and hope. Librarians embraced the Treasure Boxes as living resources that would inspire conversations and creative writing within their own communities, allowing the women's words to continue reaching new audiences.

Professionals also engaged with the project, recognising its potential to deepen empathy and understanding within health, social care and family support services. Rather than explaining lived experience through policy or training materials alone, the women's own voices became the most powerful educators.

The Impact

The most significant changes were often deeply personal.

Kayleigh arrived at the project struggling with anxiety, avoiding eye contact and doubting her own abilities. Over time she discovered confidence in her writing, spoke publicly at the launch event and returned to education. Today she uses her lived experience to help professionals better understand the realities faced by women like her.

Sophie, who joined as a volunteer, now speaks to social workers and healthcare professionals, helping them understand trauma through lived experience. Reflecting on her journey, she said simply:

"I now have my voice heard. I'm a strong, independent person."

Stories like these remind us that meaningful change begins not with systems, but with relationships built on trust, compassion and belief.

Lasting Legacy

Step Into My World has left a legacy that extends far beyond the original programme.

The creative work continues to spark conversations in libraries and community settings across Bradford, while the partnership between Verd de Gris Arts, PAUSE Bradford and Barnardo's has strengthened a shared commitment to embedding creativity within trauma-informed practice.

Perhaps the project's greatest achievement is that it changed who gets to tell the story.

Instead of being defined by reports, labels or assumptions, the women became authors, artists, performers and advocates. They demonstrated that lived experience is not simply something to be supported—it is a source of insight, knowledge and leadership.

For Verd de Gris Arts, Step Into My World represents the transformative power of listening. It shows that when creativity is grounded in trust and co-designed with those whose voices are too often overlooked, it can challenge stigma, build confidence and help create more compassionate communities.