When we work together, we are stronger. For the past three months, we have been sharing our art studio at Frimhurst Family House with the Common Ground Collective. The collective offers workshops like pottery, card-making, and candle-making to the community.

The Common Ground Collective offers art workshops to individuals who have additional needs, or who are facing challenges. In addition to running community workshops in our studio, the Common Ground Collective delivers pottery workshops with families during ATD Fourth World’s Family Well-Being Breaks.

We always strive to partner with local organisations in order to create change and reach the most isolated families and individuals. We share the Collective’s aims to promote well-being, especially for the most disadvantaged and excluded, and to create a community through art with people from all walks of life.

The power of art

Gabby is a full-time secondary school art teacher, and she is the founder of the Common Ground Collective. She ran her first workshop for ATD Fourth World in October. She said:

“Each person brought their unique touch to the clay, transforming simple lumps into beautiful creations that reflected their individuality.

“It’s in these moments that we see the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire.” — Gabby

Gabby says: “We love finding common ground with charities like ATD Fourth World. With the belief that everyone deserves a space to express themselves.

“Together, we are not just creating art; we are building a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard.” — Gabby

Something new

For most participants in the workshop, pottery was something they had never tried.

“It is something new, something to learn about.” – A mum who took part in the workshop.

With detailed and friendly directions from Gabby, mums and children made their own bowls and vases. A mum says: “I loved that. At the end of the workshop, you see the outcome of what you made.”

This workshop was part of a Family Well-Being Break in Frimhurst, where parents and children have the opportunity to go on holiday, rest and get away from the pressures of daily life, explore their creativity, and build connections with peers.

You can support our work in Frimhurst by volunteering with us or donating to ATD Fourth World.