‘You don’t always have to shout the loudest to be heard. Craftivism allows us to raise our carer issues with decision makers in a gentle but effective way and helps build lasting relationships with those in power.’
– Katy and the ‘sticking plaster’ campaign, BBC4 programme ‘Craftivism: Making a Difference’.
Wes Talks is a new series of talks for 2021 which aim to explore life and faith. The talks are organised by the New Room in partnership with the Methodist Church’s Learning Network South West.
Craftivism.com defines Craftivism as, “a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite.” It is that compassion and quest for justice that we will explore in this talk on Monday 17th May, as we invite nationally recognised campaigner, Katy Styles to speak on her experience as founder of the We Care Campaign. Katy will be joined by Revd. Rachel Parkinson, who has a passion for building community through collaborative craft and Revd. Michaela Youngson, a glass-fuser with a passion for social justice. As well as sharing case studies, their conversation will include a discussion on how much of an impact can be made through the use of craft.
About our speakers:
Katy Styles is a full-time carer and campaigner who founded the award winning We Care Campaign for unpaid carers in 2018. At that time, Katy felt that unpaid carers voices were going unheard by decision makers. A huge fan of Sarah Corbett and the Craftivism Collective, Katy and the We Care community have successfully used craftivism – craft and activism – to highlight carer issues in parliaments across the UK.
Rachel Parkinson is a presbyter in the Methodist Church, currently serving as Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District. She has a passion for building community through collaborative craft. As a glass fuser, Rachel is delighted that the District includes the historic centre of the glass industry and is currently on her third collaboration linking the Methodist Church with the International Festival of Glass.
Michaela Youngson is a Methodist presbyter, serving as a Chair in the London District of the Methodist Church. Michaela is the author of Making the Colours Sing, 2005 and The Weaver, the Word and Wisdom: worshipping the triune God, 2007. Michaela can often be heard on BBC Radio 2, when she offers a Pause for Thought on the Early Breakfast Show, or on BBC Radio 4, leading the Daily Service. In her spare time, she works with glass, making jewellery and art pieces.
Everyone joining us for this Wes Talk will receive a Zoom code/link on the day of the event. You will also be able to ask questions during the event if you wish via a Q&A session at the end.
Click here to book through Eventbrite
