We have an exciting opportunity for those aged 16+ who may have struggled with education and/or have SEND/SEMH needs, or are care leavers, that is based around enjoyably learning employability skills with creativity at its heart.

The DigiCreative Heritage project received National Heritage Lottery Funding in August to run 9 sessions, based at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham, and in Chippenham Library. The sessions are due to run once a week from mid-November 2022. Project partners include the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Building Bridges, Prime Theatre, Chippenham Museum, Wiltshire Libraries, Wiltshire Family and Community Learning, and Louise Jordan.

The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre holds the county’s oldest documents and is the place where the 2D history of our county is stored. This includes letters, diaries, newspapers, reports, photographs, postcards and prints, maps, plans, books, music and more, all available to look at for free. Chippenham Library is a free space for everyone to enjoy, housing not just books but also providing access to many other services for the community, including to computers.

What can participants expect?
The project consists of 3 sessions at WSHC, where you will gain hands on experience of learning how to find material, assess and digitise it, alongside exploring different creative styles to see how you like them.
You will then choose your preferred creative style and in sessions 4 to 8 will work with a creative at Chippenham Library to style your own exhibition material, using the items and information you discovered at WSHC as inspiration. There will also be a visit to Chippenham Museum to look at their art collection.
You will be able to make your own decisions and choose your own items for study. There will be no rights or wrongs, just enjoying where your explorations lead you. You will be carefully supported every step of the way through your journey to create an exhibition piece which will be put on display at Chippenham library, and then go on to tour throughout the county.
Session 9 will help you celebrate your successes and translate all your new skills in a way that will showcase your abilities to potential employers.
The sessions will be enjoyable and interesting, with the ability for you to take things at your own pace, gaining confidence in a friendly, relaxed place with helpful and supportive advice whenever you need it.
Travel expenses are paid, and lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Opportunities
• Be amazed at what you discover
• Learn new things and have a go at different types of creativity
• Be in control of your own learning and work, with support there if you need it
• Visit places you haven’t been to before
• Meet new people
• Have fun

Benefits
Produce something to be proud of, gain confidence and improve your skills, leave with a certificate and portfolio of work. A chance to continue at WSHC as a volunteer if you wish to do so.
Deadline and timescales
Forms to be returned to Julie Davis, project administrator, by Friday 11 November.
Email: julie.davis@wiltshire.gov.uk
All sessions run from 9.45am -2.30pm.

Session dates
Optional welcome session online or at the History Centre to find out more, Tuesday 15 November.
Sessions begin Tuesday 22 November.
Contact us at archives@wiltshire.gov.uk or text ‘creative’ to 07587 163 997 for more information

Leaflet download available here