SGS College - Bristol School of Art
Art for Wellbeing visit to Arnolfini
Trinity works in partnership with SGS College and Bristol School of Art to create opportunities for adults to learn, develop creative skills and build confidence through art.
One of the longest-running elements of the partnership is Art for Wellbeing, a weekly creative programme for adults at Trinity. The sessions provide a welcoming and supportive environment where people can explore different artforms, develop practical skills and spend time with others, without the pressure of formal education or the expectation of producing work for an exhibition or assessment. For some participants, having a regular creative activity can be an important part of rebuilding confidence and establishing routine.
Trinity's case study of Veronica's experience of the Art for Wellbeing programme describes how taking part provided an opportunity to try something new, develop her creativity and connect with other people. The programme demonstrates how participation in the arts can support wellbeing while also opening up pathways into further learning and creative activity. Sessions have included visits to other art spaces in the city, including Arnofini.
The partnership has subsequently developed a new accredited employability course, Skills for Life and Work, using arts and crafts as a route into learning and employment. The course is designed for adults who may face barriers to traditional education or employment.
The course uses practical creative activity as the starting point: participants develop skills through making, while also building confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and other skills that can be transferred into work and further learning. This approach recognises that barriers to employment are not always about a lack of skills, but can also include confidence, isolation, previous experiences of education and a lack of opportunities to demonstrate what people can do.
Our creative learning offer gives people a different way back into learning and employment and is accredited through SGS College's Bristol School of Art, giving participants the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification alongside practical experience. The third cohort of Skills for Life and Work begins in September 2026 and will include supported engagement from service users of Bristol Drugs Project, inHope and Horizons, helping people who may face additional barriers to education and employment to access the course and benefit from the opportunities it provides.
Working with SGS College allows Trinity to use the cultural life of the building to engage with people who may not see themselves as students, developing provision around the strengths of the people taking part and using creativity as a vehicle to improve wellbeing, confidence, skills and employability, helping people to experience the power of creativity and build on what they are capable of.
