Principal Activities MESS ROOM CIC operates as an inclusive and accessible visual arts studio in Medway. The company provides creative health and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable and marginalised members of the community, including blind and visually impaired people (B/VI), adults with learning difficulties and socially isolated individuals. The company's objective is to use the visual arts to transform the lives of people across Kent who face barriers arising from health, financial, or social circumstances. During the year, the company delivered a range of creative programmes and exhibitions, strengthening opportunities for blind and partially sighted (B/VI) artists and expanding its partnerships and community impact. MESS ROOM Taking Flight was a multi-funded programme supporting 60 B/VI participants through 129 workshops. Participants created group artworks which were presented through public exhibitions at Rochester Cathedral, reaching an audience of over 80,000 visitors. The company also developed and delivered MESS ROOM Creatives: River Medway Journeys, a six-month UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) project supporting adults at risk of social isolation. Building on the success of the previous two years, the programme expanded staff capacity, introduced work experience placements and established new relationships with MidKent College and Medway School of Arts. Work produced through the project was exhibited at the Guildhall Museum, Historic Dockyard Chatham, and as part of Medway Open Studios and Arts Festival 2025. We also celebrated 20 Years of Creative Vision with an exhibition at Sun Pier House, showcasing over 50 works by B/VI artists and celebrating two decades of creativity. Through sculpture, tactile materials and vibrant colour, the exhibition presented a timeline of artworks created over the past 20 years. The MESS ROOM also created the Blanket of Hope for the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention team. The work was exhibited at the Halpern Gallery in Rochester as part of the nationwide Baton of Hope project. Across the year, the MESS ROOM provided over 1,300 hours of paid, part-time self-employment for a team of eight creative practitioners. The company continued to strengthen its partnerships with Kent Association for the Blind and Medway Council, while the Steering Group met regularly to support future planning and accessibility. The company also invested in professional development, including mental health awareness through the Better Medway training programme and Medway Council’s Creative Health training programme. As part of the Evolve Project, Wendy Daws also provided mentoring to two participants. The company's activities enhanced social inclusion, wellbeing and confidence for participants with a wide range of access needs. MESS ROOM CIC continued to provide a fully accessible ground-floor studio and extended its outreach through new heritage and community-based creative programmes across Medway and Kent.

The company regularly consulted participants, partner organisations and community stakeholders through meetings, feedback sessions and steering groups. This ensured programmes remained responsive to local needs and effectively reduced barriers to participation in the arts. Quotes from participants “The art group has been a real lifeline for me and is something I look forward to every week. It’s a special place where I can switch off, keep my hands busy, and just enjoy making and chatting with friends. It’s all about experimenting and finding joy in the process, and it’s incredibly satisfying. I always leave feeling better and it’s been so good for my mental health.” “I had such an inspiring morning at the art group. I wasn’t sure what to expect as a newbie to the group, but I felt so welcomed straight away. I really enjoyed trying different materials and discovering new ways to draw, even finding approaches that work for me despite my sight. It’s made me realise I’m not alone and that means so much. I can’t wait to come back and continue what I’ve started.”

Ms Wendy Daws received £22,730 in respect of invoiced self employed services during the period. Ms Paivi Maarit Seppala received £230 in respect of invoiced self employed services during the period - July 2025.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration