Summary
SS at RIG Arts is a creative project designed for Autistic youth to meet in a safe, nurturing environment to express themselves, meet new people & have fun. It provides valuable structure & respite for carers & participants, nurtures peer relationships, increases skills, confidence & wellbeing.
What Superhero Stories did
Superhero Stories engaged 33 young people aged 8-20 & 50 carers in Inverclyde throughout the year. Referrals were accepted from third sector organisations, carers, & self-referrals. We delivered 36 weekly 2-hour comic book workshops every Saturday from April 2022 at RIG Arts' covid-adapted studio at the Tobacco Warehouse, Greenock.
The workshops aimed to provide reliable, regular, & enjoyable opportunities for young people on the spectrum to gain independence & offer respite for their carers. Professional comic book artists, assisted by a young artist experienced in comic book, graphic, & cosplay art, facilitated the workshops. Participants learned varied comic book art skills, with a focus on drawing, painting, digital art, storyboarding, & character development. A youth-led approach & peer support were encouraged.
To honour participants' achievements & showcase their work, celebratory events were organised within the workshops, based on their preferences for seasonal celebrations opposed to exhibitions. Carers utilised their time as they wished, with the confidence that their young people were in a safe & understanding environment having fun. The project successfully addressed BB priority areas by providing engagement, respite, & opportunities for independence. It also removed barriers to access, fostered peer relationships, & boosted confidence in independent activities.
SS facilitated the development of new partnership links with local & national organisations working with people on the autism spectrum, benefiting future projects. The project received donations & positive feedback from the community & participants' carers. The workshops enhanced RIG Arts' reputation in working with children on the spectrum & met their needs effectively. The project went according to plan, allowing carers to witness great development from participants' independent time.
RIG Arts looks forward to continuing the workshops, thanks to the funding awarded from Better Breaks for 2023/24. The workshops have made a significant difference to the wellbeing of the young people & their carers, & RIG is committed to meeting their needs & building on the success of the project.
What RIG Arts has learned
Through delivering this project, our organisation has gained valuable insights and learned important lessons. Here are three examples:
-Targeting families most in need of support: We have learned the significance of identifying and reaching out to families who require the most assistance. By understanding their specific needs and circumstances, we were able to tailor our support and interventions effectively, maximising the project's impact on their well-being. An example of targeting families most in need of support in our project was through accepting referrals from third-party organisations working with carers and autistic young people. We recognized that there are existing support networks and organisations that have direct contact with families facing various challenges.
By establishing partnerships with these organisations, we were able to receive referrals from them, ensuring that our project reached families who were most in need of support. These referrals helped us identify families who may not have been aware of our program or may have faced barriers in accessing such opportunities on their own.
Additionally, we made efforts to adapt our classes and raise our capacity to accommodate more referrals while still maintaining the quality engagement for existing participants. This required careful planning and resource management to ensure that the additional participants received the same level of attention and support as the existing ones.
By targeting families most in need of support and accepting referrals from third-party organisations, we were able to extend our reach to a broader audience and provide assistance to those who may have otherwise been underserved. This approach allowed us to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, where families could come together, learn, and grow.
Through this experience, we learned the significance of collaboration and partnerships in reaching families in need. We also understood the importance of adapting and expanding our capacity to accommodate more participants without compromising the quality of our engagement. These lessons have guided us in better targeting and supporting families in future projects.
-Partnership working: Collaboration and partnerships have proven to be instrumental in the success of this project. We have learned the value of working closely with other organisations, service providers, and community stakeholders. By leveraging their expertise and resources, we were able to enhance the range and quality of support services offered to the families and young people involved. For example, we worked in partnership Parklea for additional 1:1 peripatetic sessions funded by Parklea (described in
Mid-year report). This partnership with Parklea has been a direct result from Better Breaks
funding Superhero Stories and has been a great benefit to the individual.
Starting in July, for 6 weeks the lead tutor did 1:1 peripatetic comic book classes with a young
person at Parklea, in the hopes of building his confidence enough to attend Superhero Stories
workshops. He attended these sessions with a representative from the Fitzgerald Centre.
Throughout lockdown he struggled a great deal and hadn’t left the house, so attending these
sessions was an accomplishment in itself. He participated well in basic comic book drawing
sessions, and went from speaking very little to opening up and talking about his favourite subjects
- video games and movies. Although the hope was that these sessions would lead to him going on
to attend Superhero Stories, he still did not feel the want to engage in a group environment. These
sessions were still of strong benefit to the young person, and he continued in 1:1 engagement
with Parklea even after our involvement.
-Dealing with unexpected challenges or opportunities: Throughout the project, we encountered unexpected challenges and opportunities. These experiences taught us the importance of adaptability and flexibility in our approach. We learned to respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances, making necessary adjustments to ensure the project's continued success and positive outcomes. An example of an unexpected challenge we encountered during the project was related to the planned celebratory events. Initially, our intention was to organise two exhibitions to showcase the work created by the participants. However, we received feedback from the participants expressing their preference for additional seasonal celebratory workshops instead.
This unexpected feedback presented a challenge as it required us to deviate from our original plan and adapt our approach. We recognized the importance of honouring the participants' preferences and ensuring their continued engagement and enthusiasm. Therefore, we adjusted our plans and developed seasonal celebratory workshops that aligned with their interests and desires.
By being flexible and responsive to the participants' feedback, we were able to create an environment where they felt more supported and motivated. The adapted approach not only allowed them to showcase their work in a manner that was more comfortable for them but also provided an opportunity for them to further develop their skills and foster meaningful connections with their peers.
This experience taught us the value of listening to the voices and preferences of the participants, even if it means deviating from our initial plans. It reinforced the importance of being adaptable and open to unexpected changes, ultimately leading to a more positive and successful outcome for the project.
By reflecting on these lessons, we are better equipped to refine our project planning, engage with families, address challenges, and secure necessary resources for future initiatives, ensuring the continued growth and success of our organisation's work.
How RIG Arts has benefitted from the funding
Our organisation has greatly benefitted from the Better Breaks funding and the support provided by the Short Breaks Fund. The funding has enabled us to achieve several significant milestones and enhance our overall capacity to support families of autistic young people. Here are some of the key benefits we have experienced:
Develop new partnership(s) or links: The funding and support from the Short Breaks Fund have facilitated the development of new partnerships with third-party organisations working with carers and autistic young people. These collaborations have allowed us to extend our reach, receive referrals, and ensure that our services reach families most in need of support. The partnerships have created a strong network of support and collaboration, enhancing the effectiveness of our project.
Strengthen our organisation's reputation: The financial support and endorsement from the Short Breaks Fund have strengthened our organisation's reputation within the community. It has demonstrated our commitment to providing quality support to families of autistic young people and has enhanced our credibility as a trusted organisation in the field. This strengthened reputation has led to increased trust from families, other organisations, and potential funders, as well as members of the community.
Expand our services to a new location or group: The funding has provided us with the opportunity to expand our services to a new group of families and extend our reach. By adapting our classes and raising our capacity, we have been able to include more referrals and support a larger number of participants. This expansion has allowed us to address the needs of families who may have previously been underserved and provided them with the support they require.
Secure other funding: The support from the Short Breaks Fund has served as a catalyst for securing additional funding for our organisation. The recognition and endorsement from the fund have increased our visibility and credibility, making us more attractive to other potential funders. This additional funding has allowed us to sustain and expand our services, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our project. We have received one off donations of funding towards this project, thanks to the recognition the project has received in the local community.
Build our skills, knowledge, or capacity: The support and guidance provided by the Short Breaks Fund have played a crucial role in building our organisation's skills, knowledge, and capacity. Through the process of applying for funding, implementing the project, and evaluating its impact, we have gained valuable insights and expertise. This has strengthened our organisational capacity to deliver effective services, manage resources efficiently, and measure the outcomes of our projects.
In summary, the Better Breaks funding and the support from the Short Breaks Fund continues to be transformative for our organisation. It has allowed us to develop new partnerships, strengthen our reputation, expand our services, secure additional funding, and build our skills and capacity. These benefits have positioned us as a more effective and sustainable organisation, enabling us to make a lasting positive impact on the well-being of families of autistic young people.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
20 Autistic young people will report that the project has helped them to enjoy their free time, build peer relationships and relax as well as improving self-confidence and communication skills in a fun social environment.
Results
We achieved this outcome, with 33 Autistic young people engaging with the project throughout the funding year.
Feedback was gathered from participants & their carers through formal surveys, blob trees and informal conversation recorded in case studies.
Blob trees filled in by participants at the start and end of the year of workshops show a positive improvement in the participants' outlooks, marking a noticeable difference from unhappy looking/lonely or angry blob people, to blobs with friends, helping others and being independent but smiling.
All participant respondents' to a short survey stated that SS helps them enjoy their free time, and helps their confidence.
Participants were free to use their time independently or working with peers, helping to create a pressure free social environment. This has proven successful, with 100% of carer's responses to the survey stating that the project has helped improve their child's independence and/or confidence.
Case study
Participant 'C' joined Superhero Stories midway through the funded period of workshops. Before joining the project, Participant 'C' had limited opportunities to enjoy their free time, build peer relationships, and relax in a fun social environment. His parent expressed excitement about the project and mentioned how eagerly Participant 'C' looked forward to each class, highlighting the positive anticipation and enthusiasm the project brought to their child's life. They were grateful for the availability of a free program like Superhero Stories and acknowledged the social benefits it offered their child.
Since joining Superhero Stories, Participant 'C' has experienced significant positive changes in their overall well-being. The project provided them with regular and enjoyable activities during their free time, allowing them to engage in creative and imaginative pursuits related to comic book art. This newfound source of enjoyment has greatly enhanced Participant 'C's ability to relax and have fun in a social setting. According to the carer's report, the project had a positive impact on both their wellbeing and the wellbeing of their child. Superhero Stories provided Participant 'C' with regular and reliable recreation opportunities, which were previously limited. The project played a crucial role in increasing Participant 'C's independence and confidence.
Notably, the carer mentioned that Participant 'C' had shown remarkable improvement in organising and tidying up. When the carer collected Participant 'C' after each workshop, they noticed their child actively participating in cleaning up and knowing where everything should be placed. This newfound sense of responsibility and organisation demonstrated the positive influence of the project on Participant 'C's daily routines and self-management skills. Moreover, Superhero Stories fostered the development of peer relationships for Participant 'C'. Within the workshops, they had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other young people who shared similar interests. This peer support and camaraderie created a positive social environment where Participant 'C' felt comfortable, valued, and able to build relationships with their peers.
As a result of their participation in the project, Participant 'C' has also experienced improvements in self-confidence and communication skills. The creative nature of the workshops, led by professional comic book artists and supported by a young artist experienced in relevant art forms, encouraged Participant 'C' to express their ideas and artistic abilities. This process of self-expression and communication within a supportive and inclusive environment has greatly contributed to their growing self-confidence and improved communication skills. Furthermore, Participant 'C' expressed a sense of belonging and motivation within the Superhero Stories workshops. He shared with his parent how much he loved attending the activities and felt like he truly belonged. This emotional connection and enthusiasm for the project demonstrated the significant positive impact on Participant 'C's social well-being and sense of identity.
Overall, Participant 'C's involvement in Superhero Stories showcased the project's ability to create positive change for individuals. Participant 'C's journey with Superhero Stories exemplifies how the project has helped autistic young people enjoy their free time, build peer relationships, relax, and enhance self-confidence and communication skills in a fun social environment. The case study highlights the transformative impact of the project in providing valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth, ultimately improving the overall well-being and quality of life for autistic young people like Participant 'C'. The program provided him with regular recreation, increased his independence and confidence, and fostered a sense of belonging. The case study exemplifies the transformative power of the project in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for both the participant and their family.
Outcome
30 carers of young people on the spectrum will have had a chance to enjoy more free time, nurture a better care/life balance and gain more independence as well as more confidence in their child's independence, and have private time to spend how they want.
Results
Superhero Stories had a positive impact on 50 carers, providing regular, reliable respite and significantly improving their overall well-being. Survey responses revealed that 66% of carers reported experiencing a better care/life balance as a direct result of the project. Additionally, 100% of carers expressed increased confidence in their child's independence due to their participation in the program. Carers valued the opportunity to have private time for themselves and appreciated the project's consistency and reliability. Superhero Stories empowered carers, allowing them to nurture a better care/life balance, gain more independence, and enjoy increased confidence in their child's abilities. The project truly transformed the lives of carers, offering valuable respite, fostering self-assurance, and promoting enhanced well-being.
Case study
Superhero Stories has had a profound impact on the lives of 50 carers supporting young people on the autism spectrum. Through their participation in the project, carers have experienced increased free time, a better care/life balance, and greater independence and confidence in their child's independence. Survey feedback reflects the transformative effect of the project, with carers expressing improved well-being and appreciation for the reliable respite provided.
One carer shared their experience of utilising the free time made available by the project. They mentioned activities such as food and clothing shopping, catching up on domestic chores, and enjoying quiet moments alone or with family. This valuable private time allowed the carer to recharge and engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation. The carer also highlighted the opportunity to have open conversations and share quality time with their sister, emphasising the positive impact of the project on their social connections and overall well-being.
Superhero Stories has successfully addressed the outcome of providing carers with more free time, a better care/life balance, and increased independence and confidence in their child's independence. The project's impact is evident through the feedback received, which showcases the practical benefits and emotional fulfilment experienced by carers. The project's provision of reliable respite has allowed carers to prioritise self-care and personal activities, leading to enhanced independence, well-being, and a sense of empowerment.
In conclusion, Superhero Stories has positively influenced carers' lives, offering them the chance to enjoy more free time, nurture a better care/life balance, gain increased independence, and build confidence in their child's independence. The project's impact is reflected in the feedback provided by a carer, illustrating the range of activities and moments of solitude they were able to experience. Superhero Stories has successfully delivered on the desired outcomes, providing carers with valuable private time and contributing to their overall well-being and independence.
Outcome
30 carers will have improved relationships with their children through improved communication and expression skills developed in the workshops, having new and different things to talk about as a result of the workshops, helping to make easier and support their caring role.
Carers will feel more...
Results
The project significantly improved carer-child relationships through enhanced communication skills. One-third of surveyed carers reported increased communication as a direct result of the workshops. The project has positively impacted carers' confidence in relying on local support, although more local services awareness is needed, and will be incorporated into future delivery. Carers' well-being has improved, and consistent respite for all carers is provided through regular, reliable classes. The project successfully provided reliable recreation opportunities to 83.33% of surveyed children, fostering their independence and confidence. Carers benefited from increased self-care time and meaningful interactions. Overall, the project enhanced communication, supported carers' reliance on local support, and increased awareness of available services, but improvements are needed in signposting carers to additional local available services.
Case study
Carer ‘A’ experienced significant improvements in their care/life balance as a direct result of their participation. When asked if the class had helped improve their care/life balance, carer 'A' responded affirmatively, stating that the program had reduced their stress levels and provided them with a sense of relaxation. Knowing that their child was safe and enjoying themselves in the program allowed carer 'A' to address other responsibilities and tasks with ease.
The Superhero Stories program offered carer 'A' a valuable opportunity for respite, enabling them to take time for themselves and attend to important matters without worry. This dedicated time for self-care and attending to personal needs contributed to an improved care/life balance for carer 'A'. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for their child, the program allowed carer 'A' to trust in the well-being of their child, alleviating the stress and enabling them to focus on other aspects of their life.
Carer 'A's positive response demonstrates the transformative impact of the Superhero Stories program in improving the care/life balance for carers. The program not only provided a supportive and engaging environment for the young participants but also offered a much-needed respite for carers. By fostering a sense of safety and fun for the children, carer 'A' felt confident in taking the time they needed for themselves, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The case study of carer 'A' exemplifies the program's ability to enhance the care/life balance for carers by providing a safe and enjoyable environment for their children. Through the Superhero Stories program, carers like 'A' can experience reduced stress levels, relaxation, and the freedom to attend to their responsibilities, knowing that their child is well taken care of and having a great time. The positive impact of the program on carer 'A's care/life balance highlights the value and effectiveness of the Superhero Stories initiative in supporting and empowering carers.
Outcome
20 Autistic young people will have improved wellbeing through engagement in positive activities and developing peer relationships. Young people will have increased self-confidence, and improved creative, communication and social skills.
30 Carers will have improved wellbeing through improved ca...
Results
SS had a profound impact on the well-being of 33 autistic young people & 50 carers over the year. The yp had improved wellbeing by engaging in positive activities & developing peer relationships, resulting in increased self-confidence, enhanced creative & communication skills, & improved social abilities. The carers have also benefited from improved well-being, achieved through a better balance between care/respite, leading to reduced stress & increased happiness. The project has provided regular, reliable respite for carers & recreation opportunities for children, contributing to their wellbeing. The project has also facilitated the building of relationships outside of the caring role, with participants forming friendships & carers having more time to self-care & connect with others. The positive feedback from carers & improvements observed in the well-being of both young people & carers highlight the effectiveness of SS in promoting holistic wellbeing & independence for all involved.
Case study
Superhero Stories has had a profound impact on the well-being of both young people and carers, as demonstrated by the experience of Carer 'S'. Through the program, Carer 'S' expressed the importance of providing a space where their child can be fully themselves without the need to mask their autism. This acceptance and understanding have greatly contributed to their child's improved well-being.
Moreover, the project has consistently provided Carer 'S'' child with regular and reliable recreation opportunities, resulting in enhanced well-being. These opportunities have not only increased their child's independence and confidence but also provided a platform for them to engage in activities that they may find overwhelming otherwise.
Superhero Stories has created a supportive environment that promotes the well-being of both young people and carers. Carer 'S' highlights the positive impact of the program on their child's well-being, reinforcing the effectiveness of the project in improving the overall quality of life for the young participants.
Additionally, the program has enabled Carer 'S' to have valuable time to address tasks that may overwhelm their child. This respite time allows Carer 'S' to focus on important responsibilities and attend to their own needs, contributing to a better care-life balance and overall well-being.
In summary, the positive experiences shared by Carer 'S' illustrate the success of Superhero Stories in improving the well-being of autistic young people. The program has provided regular and reliable recreation opportunities, increased independence and confidence, and offered valuable respite to carers. By creating an inclusive environment that embraces and supports the unique needs of each participant, Superhero Stories has made a positive impact on the lives of those involved.