A unique and empowering workshop dedicated to individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), diagnosed or not. Taking place in PCOS Awareness Month, this session will harness the power of body mapping, a creative participatory research method, to create a safe and supportive space. You'll connect with others who share similar experiences, process your feelings, and express your journey with PCOS through collaborative artmaking. Body mapping will allow us to visually represent our personal stories, emotions, and experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. Dr Laura J Brown, an expert in feminist global health research and creative participatory methods, will lead the session. Laura's lived experience with PCOS and her background in mental health mentoring will ensure a compassionate and insightful environment. Participants: ~12 individuals with lived experience of PCOS What to Expect: Engage in a creative body mapping activity, share your story, and connect with others in a supportive setting. All materials provided.

Booking: Pre-registration required, cost £10, £5 concessions.
When: Saturday 14th September, 1-4pm
Location: The Community Room, 19 The Bayle, Folkestone
An exciting aspect of this workshop is the potential to share the collaborative body maps created during the session in a group exhibition. Select pieces may be featured in Fourth Wall Folkestone's "Sick of it" exhibition, contributing to a broader conversation about health and wellbeing through art. This workshop offers a meaningful opportunity for personal expression and community building. Explore your creativity and contribute to raising awareness about PCOS in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Dr Laura J Brown - Creativity, community, health and wellbeing With a background in mixed-methods interdisciplinary feminist global health research, and expertise in innovative creative and participatory research methods, I'm a passionate arts and crafts for health advocate, and I think that creativity and community are really important for health and wellbeing. My art practice is eclectic, and I don't limit myself to specific materials and methods. At the moment, I'm enjoying crocheting, painting with acrylic, and playing with air dry clay. I love cats and they feature heavily in my pieces! I also work as a mental health mentor and study skills tutor for university students registered with student wellbeing and disability support services and I am training to become an Art Life Coach. I have experienced the therapeutic benefits of arts and crafts first-hand and my goal is to build my arts and crafts practice while leveraging my research background and expertise to contribute meaningfully to local community arts and crafts projects that promote health and wellbeing. I currently co-facilitate the EVERYBODY Community Life Drawing Circle, volunteer as an Events Assistant for the Folkestone Art Society, and run mindful arts and crafts sessions at schools and universities.

Visit Laura’s website here
@incalculable_artsncrafts