Arts & Culture  News

Battersea Arts Centre supports Nine Elms neighbours to ‘Write Together’

Not for Me Not for You But for Us. Credit: Rebecca Strickson

Published on
February 12, 2021

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To bring a slice of joy to Nine Elms during lockdown, Battersea Arts Centre has teamed up with Wandsworth Council for ‘Write Together,’ a project hoping to connect people during what has been a tough time for many.

Spreading kindness in the community, Write Together provides free kits that include mindful colouring, creative ‘how to’ guides, and a blank template that can be used to write a friendly message to a fellow Nine Elms or Battersea neighbour.

Funded by Wandsworth Council, the kits are free to Nine Elms groups and residents.

The pack includes beautiful designs from illustrator Rebecca Strickson, created especially for Battersea Arts Centre, which uses Battersea’s motto, “Not for me, Not for you, But for us”.

Aimed at adults, but suitable for ages 14+, the packs contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take part.

All letters will be sent back to Battersea Arts Centre and then passed on to someone else in the community. The letters will be completely anonymous, and you can opt-in to receive one too.

Write Together is open to anyone living in Wandsworth, particularly to those residents who may be feeling isolated or vulnerable.

Christie Hill, Producer at Battersea Arts Centre said: “We are all having to deal with being kept apart and we know how hard lockdown has been for many people. So we wanted to provide something that could support our local community to feel less isolated, through their own creativity. These packs have been made by brilliant artists.

“There’s an illustration to colour in, because doing something creative can help reduce anxiety. And an opportunity to write a letter to a local neighbour – to help connect people and share support. We hope this supports many adults in the area, especially those who are feeling isolated or struggling.”

The kits are free and postage is included. The project runs from mid-February until late spring, so there is plenty of time to sign up.

You might like to request a pack for a neighbour or members of your community so everyone can take part in sharing some kindness, but please be aware there are a limited number of packs available at this early stage.

How to take part 

Visit the Battersea Arts Centre website to order your pack.

If you are an organisation, charity or connected to a group of people who you think would benefit from taking part, please contact Lydia or Amy at writetogether@bac.org.uk or visit the Battersea Arts Centre website to use the group order form.

Don’t forget to share photos of your coloured illustrations on social media by using the hashtag #WriteTogetherBAC

This initiative follows the successful ‘Create & Learn Playkits’ by Wandsworth Council, Battersea Arts Centre, and local partners to support everyone in the community to be creative. Last year, nearly 6,000 kits were distributed to school children across Wandsworth so all families could have access to creative materials during the coronavirus pandemic. The project has now been shortlisted for ‘Best Arts Project’ in the NCA’s Heart’s for the Arts Awards 2021.


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