Bumble Creatives CIC delivers creative wellbeing opportunities for children, young people, families and the wider Bicester community through free and affordable arts-based programmes that support connection, confidence, creativity and emotional wellbeing. Led by a Therapeutic Wellbeing Arts Practitioner/Counsellor, our work combines community arts, creative health and trauma-informed practice to create welcoming spaces where people can build skills, express themselves and develop supportive relationships. Delivery is supported by DBS-checked volunteers and community partnerships. Our work is rooted in the belief that creativity can strengthen both individual wellbeing and community connection. We respond to a growing need for friendly, flexible and accessible community activities that support emotional wellbeing and reduce isolation. During 2024–25, Bumble Creatives CIC continued to build on its first year and strengthen its role as a provider of creative wellbeing opportunities within Bicester. This year we continued to deliver Creative Minds, our participant-led creative wellbeing group supporting young people who may experience barriers including anxiety, low confidence, social isolation or difficulties engaging with education. Through regular creative sessions, young people were offered opportunities to build relationships, develop confidence and express themselves in safe and supportive ways. We also delivered 14 child, family and adult creative workshops at Elmsbrook in partnership with A2Dominion, engaging approximately 150 participants. These sessions focused on accessible and inclusive creativity and created opportunities for neighbours to connect, try new activities and strengthen community relationships. Alongside this, we delivered The Stained Glass Effect in collaboration with local artist BIG Orange M and Cherwell District Council. This project combined creative workshops and consultation with young people and members of the refugee community in Bicester and surrounding villages, creating opportunities for expression, belonging and contribution to a public artwork displayed in Bicester Library. Throughout the year we continued to strengthen partnerships with local artists, schools and community organisations and remained committed to delivering inclusive, place-based work that supports wellbeing, creativity and connection. Looking ahead, we hope to secure additional grant funding to continue and expand our offer, particularly for adults locally, and move towards establishing a more permanent base for creative wellbeing activity in Bicester. We will continue to collaborate with local artists including BIG Orange M, and work alongside schools, councils and community partners to develop accessible opportunities that reduce isolation, strengthen community connection and support wellbeing through the arts.

Our aims remain to: Reduce social isolation and strengthen community wellbeing through inclusive creative experiences. Provide person-centred creative opportunities delivered by trained practitioners and supported by volunteers. Work collaboratively with local organisations, schools, artists and community groups to offer a multidisciplinary approach to community development. Use evidence-informed creative approaches to build confidence, resilience and self-expression. Increase access for people experiencing emotional, social or economic barriers to participation, particularly those experiencing emotional or mental health challenges. Champion creative health and accessible community spaces as preventative approaches to wellbeing. As Bicester continues to grow, we remain committed to creating opportunities that improve wellbeing, strengthen belonging and empower communities through creativity.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration