Arts in the Yard secured Prevention and Communities funding from Birmingham City Council to develop Women of Yardley Unite in November 2019. This was in order to deliver a programme of arts-based activities for women within Yardley. WOYU works to promote healthier lifestyles, increase social participation and make carers feel more supported. They work particularly with women over 50, and those with physical disabilities or mental health difficulties.

WOYU work mainly with female artists to create workshops that are reflective of the cultural diversity of the community and individual needs of participants. Artists curate a workshop or pack for participants, in order for them to be able to make a craft piece or art work for them to keep or share. The activities that are delivered help the women to realise their potential by increasing their confidence, helping them to build new skills and develop support networks. The project aims to create significant health benefits for participants through increasing feelings of mental wellbeing, enabling them to live healthier lives. It also increases social opportunities for the participants, reducing isolation, and creating confidence for participation in other activities in the area.

The aims of the research into Women of Yardley Unite were to: assess the effectiveness of the approach taken and identify barriers, facilitators and impact for clients. The evaluator was also asked to identify critical success factors and lessons learned, review progress against the Birmingham City Council outcomes and make recommendations to inform the future direction of the work and its sustainability.

Download Women of Yardley Unite Evaluation