Creativity, connection and wellbeing through inclusive art and nature-based experiences
Rooted in hope, community and the belief that creativity helps people flourish. The Common Ground Collective is a creative wellbeing charity offering inclusive pottery, art and nature-based workshops for children, adults, families and community groups—creating spaces where people can connect, grow and belong.
Who we support
At Common Ground, we create welcoming, inclusive spaces for:
Children and young people with additional needs.
Adults with learning disabilities or additional support needs.
Families and carers seeking connection and creative respite.
Individuals experiencing loneliness, low wellbeing or a lack of community.
Schools, SEND settings, charities and community organisations.
If you’re unsure whether a workshop is suitable, we’d love to chat.
What we offer
-
Inclusive pottery, painting, drawing and mixed media sessions designed to encourage self-expression, confidence and joy.
-
Hands-on workshops inspired by gardening, the seasons and the natural world-connecting creativity with wellbeing.
-
Shared creative experiences that bring families together in a supportive, relaxed environment.
-
Restorative creative spaces for those who spend so much time caring for others.
-
Tailored workshops for schools, churches, charities, SEND provisions and local organisations.
Our Approach
We believe creativity can be deeply supportive, restorative and confidence-building.
While our work promotes wellbeing and belonging, Common Ground is not a clinical therapy service. We provide inclusive creative experiences that support emotional wellbeing, connection and self-expression within safe, community-based settings.
Why Common Ground Exists
The Common Ground Collective was founded from a belief that creativity should be accessible to everyone - not just those who see themselves as “artists.”
With a background in art education and extensive experience supporting children, young people and adults with additional needs, Common Ground was created to offer meaningful creative spaces where people can feel safe, valued and connected.
Whether through clay, paint, gardening or shared making, we believe creativity can help people grow in confidence, find community and rediscover joy.
Who We Are
Common Ground Collective is a creative studio and community that uses art and nature-based making to support individuals with additional needs in developing confidence, wellbeing and a sense of purpose.
-
We want to see individuals with additional needs feel confident, calm and connected - with opportunities to develop meaningful skills and a strong sense of identity.
-
We aim to achieve this by offering small, thoughtfully designed creative sessions that focus on:
hands-on making
sensory, nature-based processes
building confidence through creating tangible outcomes
Alongside this, we seek to create a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to explore, express and grow.
-
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process-it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
-
Our sessions are designed to be calm, structured and purposeful, supporting individuals who may benefit from a slower, more supported environment.
Through working with materials such as clay, natural fibres and simple craft processes, participants are guided to create meaningful pieces while developing independence, focus and self-expression.
If you are interested in attending a session, or would like to find out more, please get in touch via our contact page.
-
Common Ground is also developing as a small social enterprise, creating thoughtfully made, nature-inspired products.
In time, this will provide opportunities for participants to contribute to real outcomes, while supporting the sustainability of the studio and its work within the community.
We also offer a small number of workshops for the wider community, with proceeds helping to fund materials, subsidise sessions, and support the continued development of the programme.