“We shouldn’t have to shout to be heard!” – art project gives a voice to local mothers

We Shouldn’t Have To Shout To Be Heard Campaign: October 10 – 29 2022

Amplifying the experiences and voices of families most affected by the pandemic and challenging policy makers to learn lessons from the pandemic before the cost-of-living crisis fully hits.

In November 2021 and March 2022 thirty mothers from families impacted by low income, living with a disability, single parenting or from a minority ethnic community, took part in a specially designed creative programme, funded by the AHRC, and led by Wellspring Settlement.

The project asked the following questions:

  • What do we need to know about parenting before and during the pandemic?
  • What does your family need to thrive in the future?

Now the #ShouldntHaveToShout campaign generated by this project is here!

Image Credit: Lucy Turner & Rising Arts Agency

Between 10 – 24 October billboards and posters designed by Lucy Turner and Rising Arts Agency will be exhibited across Bristol featuring quotes describing the struggles and triumphs of these mothers. Check the map below to find the posters and billboards nearest to you!

On October 6, the policy paper ‘Shouldn’t Have To Shout – Valuing Parents As Experts’ co-written with the University of Bristol and the Wellspring Settlement’s team of Art Researchers will be circulated to local decision makers, councillors and agencies. The policy paper focuses on the need to value parents as experts, contains recommendations to make it easier for parents to communicate with schools, support children with SEND, share experiences with other parents, and find suitable childcare.

The paper and project will be presented at the Caring Economy – Who Cares Wins! event on October 17 which will consider issues around child as well as adult care.

We have also programmed a series of public activities and events, including a drop-in Celebration Event in the Wellspring Settlement Family Centre on Thursday October 20. Come and join us to see the display of the campaign materials, talk to people about the project and campaign, enjoy some snacks and make a badge to take home.

We will also be using our posters as placards and taking part in the national March of the Mummies demonstration organised by Pregnant Then Screwed on October 29 on College Green, Bristol.

For more information please contact: Jude Hutchen, Art Research Co-ordinator, Wellspring Settlement: jude.hutchen@wsb.org.uk

 

 

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