On Wednesday 11 February 2026, we hosted our Moving Forward Celebration Event, welcoming 14 participants to celebrate their progress while developing key employability skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Running from 11.00am to 2.30pm, the event was designed to combine creativity, wellbeing, and progression-focused activities that actively support participants’ confidence, communication, and personal development.
Creative activities such as tote bag decorating and personalised journal creation encouraged participants to practise decision-making, self-expression, and concentration—skills that are transferable to the workplace. Personalising items also helped reinforce ownership of achievements and pride in completed work, supporting confidence and motivation.
The Digital Voice session, featuring digital mandala drawing, introduced participants to digital creativity and basic digital skills, while also promoting focus, patience, and problem-solving. Engaging with digital tools in a relaxed setting helped reduce anxiety around technology and supported participants’ readiness for learning and work environments.
A dedicated wellbeing and massage activity provided space for participants to recognise the importance of self-care, emotional regulation, and stress management—all essential life skills that support sustained engagement in education and employment.
Participants also took part in the Creative Adelaide Campaign, delivered by Mandy, which focused on communication, idea-sharing, and confidence in expressing personal experiences. These skills are particularly valuable for interviews, group work, and workplace interaction.
We were pleased to welcome guest organisations including Newcastle College, JET, Work & Thrive, and the NCC Employability Team. Their involvement enabled participants to practise engaging with professionals, asking questions, and exploring progression pathways in a supportive setting.
The event concluded with a shared meal, certificates, success reflection cards, and an outcomes display board. Reflecting on achievements and receiving recognition helped participants build self-belief, goal awareness, and motivation—key foundations for moving forward into training, volunteering, or employment.
Overall, the Moving Forward Celebration Event demonstrated how creative and wellbeing-led activities can play a vital role in developing employability skills, resilience, and confidence, while empowering participants to take positive next steps.
This project is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now administered by the North East Combined Authority.