The 48 young people, aged six to 25, including some with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have created eight ‘feel good’ banners to spread kindness around Stockport. This project was led by Make Build Grow, a social enterprise based at MakeGood in Cheadle Heath, and funded as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture celebrations.
The workshops aimed to give a voice to young people who often feel hidden or unheard, allowing them to express themselves creatively. The colourful, positive messages on the banners are meant to bring hope during the dark winter months and spread kindness to others.
Groups involved in the project include The L!sten Project, Signpost Young Carers, Beacon Counselling SHINE Project, Pure Insight Care leavers, and MakeGood Home Ed SEND Art Club.
The young artists used old vinyl tablecloths as their canvas, dragging acrylic paint across them with squeegees. They then added doodles and patterns with acrylic paint pens, and thought about what they would say to a friend in need. Working collaboratively, they cut out letters and images to glue onto their banners.
The banners were first displayed at Stockport Town Hall during the Stockport Youth Summit on 6 February, and are now being showcased around Stockport Town Centre to bring more joy. Two banners are currently on display at Stockport’s War Memorial Art Gallery, with plans to exhibit them alongside other works created during Stockport Town of Culture until the end of March.
More locations for the banners will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, commented: “Arts is a powerful way for people to express their feelings. It’s great to see this project spreading joy and kindness throughout the borough as part of our Town of Culture activities.”
