Shifting Sands, Etched in Time

This project was set on the stunning coastline of Dunwich Heath, with Dunwich beach being the base camp for exploration.

Participants included Suffolk Young Carers, aged 5-16, and vulnerable adults from Access Community Trust and NSFT Rehabilitation and Recovery Service, supported by staff on a 1:1 basis.

The project’s aim was to improve health and wellbeing by connecting people to their environment.

The Suffolk Coast is a frontier landscape where the North Sea recycles land – a process which has been happening for millions of years. The flint-rich Westleton beds of the Norwich Crag formation – laid down 1.8 million years ago are dramatically exposed at Dunwich – provided an inspirational setting for creative work, inspired by coastal erosion, the weather, feelings and the moment.

Ideas were translated onto canvas, through pebbles, textiles, song, voice, photography, paintings and film.

The project was kindly funded by Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Council, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney CCG and administered by the East Coast Active Communities Fund.

“The project has offered the children the space to express themselves in a way which they often don’t have the freedom or resources to do so. For many, it was a rare opportunity to spend a day outside in the fresh air and to explore nature.

It was lovely to see the young people engaging with the various creative opportunities and the flexible and adaptable nature of the activities. Art Branches’ staff enabled them to feel comfortable and included.

Many of the young people attending became very reflective at the session and really opened up about their feelings.”

Young Carers Project Manager, Suffolk Family Carers

Shifting Sands, Etched in Time

“The project has offered the children the space to express themselves in a way which they often don’t have the freedom or resources to do so. For many, it was a rare opportunity to spend a day outside in the fresh air and to explore nature.

It was lovely to see the young people engaging with the various creative opportunities and the flexible and adaptable nature of the activities. Art Branches’ staff enabled them to feel comfortable and included.

Many of the young people attending became very reflective at the session and really opened up about their feelings.”

“Many thanks to the Art Branches team who have provided such a positive and engaging activity for our young carers.”