Realising a need for a local creative space for people with a disability to come together, create and develop friendships and meaningful social connections, Michelle Thomas established ‘The Flourish Connection’. Operating out of studio retail space in Beerwah, this social and recreational group provides its participants with engaging, fun and creative opportunities through a variety of weekly all ability arts, crafts and social activities.
GC&M News caught up with Michelle to find out more about this unique disability support service which first started three years ago. Michelle said she began by offering a small weekly class with just four participants at the Beerwah CWA hall which evolved over the last few years into now operating out of a dedicated studio running numerous activities throughout the week attracting 19 regular and numerous casual clients. Michelle said she initially created the service after having spent years working locally as a support worker and realising so of the people she worked with were similar in age but just didn’t know each other or had the opportunity to meet.
“We’d often be searching for groups to attend or art and craft activities to go to. I knew if given the opportunity to meet each other they would get on and have opportunities to make new friends and connections. So, I created Flourish with the premise of fostering friendships for participants through creative based projects,” she explained.
Michelle said the studio offered different creative activities each week, as well as opportunities to collaborate within the community. A recent collaborative project which was an amazing experience for the ‘Flourish ladies’, was being able to star in the local CWA Centenary Calendar shoot.
Michelle said she loved being able to source different and exciting new projects to do each week, and being able to facilitate a space that is unique and belonged to the participants; for them to come along to, create together in a safe non-judgemental environment and have fun.
“I love watching their excitement when we create together. It’s watching how friendships have evolved and strengthened over time and the love and support the participants and their support workers show each other. It all about celebrating all our achievements together,” said Michelle.
Highlights included witnessing the friendships and connections made, creative talents unleashed and confidence bloom.
“We have participants who have never created any art, now participating and enjoying projects with their friends. Services like The Flourish Connection offer the community access to amazing talented groups of people and gives them an opportunity to connect with them through friendship and creativity,” said Michelle. To find out more or to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/TheFlourishConnection/
