Reflections from our summer at the cabin

This summer, our small community cabin beside the Napier Street pitch became the base for lots of Dwellbeing Shieldfield activities. Over the school holidays we ran five youth sessions from the cabin, alongside planned community picnics and some spur of the moment gatherings. The cabin quickly became our hub. The young people loved it and neighbours walking past stopped to chat. Often those conversations turned to the things that matter most to people here, like their homes, their neighbours and how the estate is changing.

One day the young people ventured further afield to the beach. It was a real highlight for many even though it drizzled on the day. Several young people told us afterwards it was "the best day". During our summer activities guest artists joined us to share their skills including Sara Cooper’s printing from plants and flowers and Lyndsay Duncanson’s cyanotype printing. One of our young people volunteered all summer, helping with food, taking photos and recording what we did. They showed us how much young people can bring when they're given a real role.

Being outdoors seemed to make a difference. Sessions felt more relaxed than in small indoor rooms, and everyone got on better for it. Some of the best moments weren't planned activities at all, it was simply nice for the young people and adults to have time to chat to each other by the meadow. At the community picnics, it was lovely to see families, grandparents and young people sharing the same space.

We were also really pleased to meet new families this year. Some found us through the picnics, and a few had spotted what was going on from the flats above.

Not everything went perfectly. On the hottest days we needed more shade and shorter sessions. The community picnics also brought in lots of new faces, which was brilliant. With everyone welcome, it wasn't always clear who was with whom or who was looking after which children. So we’re working on some shared "rules of play" for events, so that everyone knows what to expect and feels welcome.

The young people's giant cyanotype prints were displayed near the pitch during the car free day event on 4th October and will be presented in an exhibition at The NewBridge Project which celebrates the practices and artworks of the local community.

We'd love to hear from you. Did you visit the cabin or come along to a picnic? Do you have ideas for what we could do next summer? If you live in the high-rise blocks, we especially want to hear from you. We'd like more families from the towers to get involved, and we'd love your help making that happen. Drop us an email at info@dwellbeingshieldfield.org.uk or message 07593 769 129. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, joined in or waved from a window. We are hoping to have the cabin for a few more weeks. If you spot us open do drop by for a chat. 

With thanks to Equans for sponsoring the community cabin