How might we understand the impact of creative engagement work to explore and support mothers experiences?

‘Mothers in Crisis’ was a creative heritage project, led by enJOY arts, culminating in a performance and exhibition. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Trafford Housing Trust, the project focused on mothers’ experiences during the Covid pandemic and during World War 2.

enJOY arts CIC is an award winning community organisation based in Manchester, working across the North West sharing the power of the arts to uplift, empower and bring people together. A Brilliant Thing CIC provided creative activities to evaluate the impact of the work with the participants, at the performances and exhibitions over 12 months. We found the creative activity significantly impacted wellbeing, positively enabling both performers and audiences to process the experience of being a mother during distressing periods of life.