At Hazlehurst Studios, we believe in the power of creativity to ignite change and foster important conversations. Our recent project, Creative Conversations: Gut Instincts, was no exception. This unique initiative, funded by the Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance CVS Partnership with match funding from Halton Borough Council, aimed to tackle a sensitive topic—bowel health—through art, creativity, and open discussion.
Through a six-week series of workshops, participants explored their creativity while engaging in vital conversations about bowel health, early detection, and cancer screenings. By using accessible art forms like cross stitch, pottery, and sticker design, the project created a relaxed and welcoming environment for people to talk openly about a subject that is often seen as taboo.
How Creativity and Health Intersect:
The project included three main activities led by talented facilitators:
Cross Stitch with Rosie Brooks Participants used embroidery to create humorous and impactful pieces, encouraging awareness of bowel health in a fun and hands-on way.
Sticker and Fridge Magnet Design with Sas Conley Creative minds designed health-related stickers and magnets, providing visual prompts to continue the conversation long after the workshops had ended.
Pottery with Courtney Reynolds The final workshops allowed participants to get their hands dirty and create ‘bottom vases,’ a playful and meaningful way to start talking about health and wellbeing.
Each session was designed to foster not only creativity but also valuable conversations about bowel cancer screening, a subject that many people find uncomfortable. Through shared laughter, artistic expression, and support, the group explored ways to make a difficult subject feel more approachable.
A Big Thank You to Our Funders
The success of this project would not have been possible without the generous funding from the Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance CVS Partnership and the match funding from Halton Borough Council. Their support enabled us to provide a space where art and health could come together to make a lasting impact.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Halton and St Helens Voluntary Community Action (HSVCA) for being our CVS partner in this project. Their ongoing support and collaboration helped us bring this unique initiative to life, helping our community talk more openly about health and wellbeing through creative expression.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our amazing facilitators:
Rosie Brooks (Cross Stitch)
Sas Conley (Sticker Design)
Courtney Reynolds (Pottery)
Their expertise, creativity, and passion for their crafts truly brought this project to life
Additionally, we are incredibly grateful to the talented Toni Louise Carter, who illustrated key moments from the sessions, and Lauren Quayle, whose photography captured the creativity and connections formed throughout the project. These visuals will continue to spread the word about the importance of bowel health, and they serve as a powerful reminder of the community spirit that makes projects like this possible.
What Did Our Participants Have to Say?
The feedback from participants showed that the project was an excellent way to approach the sensitive subject of bowel health in a creative and non-intimidating way. While not everyone felt ready to take immediate action, many shared how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn more about bowel screening in a relaxed, open setting.
The creative activities, such as cross-stitching, pottery, and sticker design, helped participants feel more comfortable engaging in conversations about their health and wellbeing. Sas, one of our workshop facilitators, even brought in her own bowel screening kit to demonstrate how simple the process is after her mum received hers through the post. This led to an interesting discussion about the ease of using the kit and helped demystify the process for others.
The light-hearted and playful environment, including a humorous poo-themed quiz, also sparked laughter and encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of early screening.
Continuing the Conversation
The Creative Conversations: Gut Instincts project is only the beginning. We are committed to continuing to use creativity as a tool for health education and support. As we look forward to future projects, we will keep engaging with our community through art and open dialogue. Whether through workshops or other initiatives, Hazlehurst Studios will remain a space where people can come together to share, create, and learn.
Looking Ahead This project has opened the door for more exciting collaborations, and we hope to expand our creative health initiatives. As we continue to build partnerships with local organisations, we’re excited about what’s to come and how we can support our community in meaningful ways.
Thank you once again to our funders, facilitators, and participants for making Creative Conversations: Gut Instincts a success. Your involvement has been invaluable in raising awareness of bowel health and reminding us that sometimes, the best way to tackle a tough topic is with a little creativity.
For more information on upcoming workshops or to get involved with Hazlehurst Studios, stay tuned to our website and social media channels.
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