Your Creative Force CIC

During this reporting period Creative Force CIC delivered the first phase of its Creating Summer project, providing three creative holiday workshops for children aged 7–11 and their parents/carers in the Willingdon Trees area of Eastbourne. Following notification of the funding award, the available time for promotion was significantly shorter than anticipated. In agreement with the funder, Chalk Cliff Trust, the programme was adapted so that the remaining planned workshops would be delivered during the autumn and winter school holidays, allowing sufficient time for promotion while maintaining the quality of delivery. The summer workshops were attended by approximately ten children at each session, each accompanied by a parent or carer. Although attendance was lower than originally projected, the smaller group size enabled a highly supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging meaningful participation and stronger relationships between families. Each four-hour workshop combined creative arts, practical STEM activities, games and outdoor play, together with a dedicated sensory space to support children with additional and neurodiverse needs. Participants also shared healthy snacks and took part in activities designed to encourage creativity, confidence, learning and positive family interaction. The project successfully provided accessible, high-quality holiday activities in Willingdon Trees, an area where there are limited opportunities for children and families during school holidays. Feedback from participants was extremely positive, with children demonstrating high levels of engagement and enjoyment throughout the sessions. The workshops also enabled Creative Force to develop and refine a flexible workshop model that will continue to be used in future programmes. Learning from the project confirmed the importance of adequate promotional lead-in time, the benefits of smaller group delivery, and the value of providing sensory resources to ensure inclusive participation. Creative Force intends to build on this successful pilot by developing a year-round Creating Seasons programme in partnership with Willingdon Trees Community Centre, extending creative opportunities for local children and families throughout the year. Project expenditure during this reporting period was in line with the approved budget, with funds used to deliver the community activities as intended.