March 2016 - March 2024
Community Focus (CF) is an inclusive multi-arts centre based in Barnet that encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in the arts. Through its programmes, CF helps individuals build confidence, develop creative skills and challenge barriers through integration and innovation.
During the school holidays, CF runs Short Breaks—creative courses for young people with disabilities. These sessions provide opportunities to make friends, participate in group activities, learn new skills and explore creativity in a supportive environment, while also offering valuable respite for parents and carers.
Each course typically supports 10–15 young people, working alongside a team of 5–10 assistants and volunteers. Delivering these sessions requires a high degree of flexibility, as plans often need to change throughout the day to respond to participants' needs, abilities and energy levels. Activities are continually adapted to ensure everyone can engage meaningfully and enjoy the experience.
During my time at Community Focus, I worked as both a Project Manager and Workshop Facilitator on the Short Breaks programme. In these roles, I planned and delivered creative workshops, coordinated staff and volunteers, and ensured sessions were engaging, accessible and responsive to the group.
One memorable project centred on claymation. Participants designed superhero versions of themselves before building their characters from wire and plasticine. They then brought their creations to life through stop-motion animation, developing storytelling, model-making and animation skills while celebrating their own identities and imaginations.