A Decade with Creative Directions

Creative Directions is a free weekly group for adults in Doncaster, designed to support mental health and wellbeing, spark connection, and build confidence. In 2025, we’re celebrating 10 years of this inspiring programme and Participation Coordinator Jamie Rosser has been involved since the very first session. We asked Jamie 10 questions for 10 years. Read on as Jamie shares his reflections on the transformations he’s witnessed, and what Creative Directions has come to mean to him and others.

1. Can you describe your role in Creative Directions and what does it mean in practice? 

My official job title is Participation Coordinator, and I see that role as the link between the artist and the participants. A lot of people who come to Creative Directions are a bit anxious or a bit shy, so if I see somebody like that, I’ll go and talk to them and just start chatting about what they’ve been up to this week or what they’ve been watching on telly. Then others will join in, and I can leave people who were sat as individuals, as a group in conversation. On the opposite end the scale, if there’s somebody who is dominating the conversation, I’ll help manage that. Creative Directions welcomes everybody, so we’ve got people that are 18 and people that are over 85, and it’s about developing mutual respect and understanding for each other. 

2. How do you create a welcoming space for new participants? 

First of all, I ask what they know about Creative Directions, and often it’s nothing or not very much, so I explain what it’s for and what it is, who has funded it and gather practical information. I like to say “We’re here to reduce anxiety, not cause it” so I try to use my personal experience to help others. I also emphasise that there is no commitment, and you will get the same welcome whether you attend every week, or once or twice a year. 

There’s so much talent: some people do digital art; others draw by hand. Some people do creative writing, and one person creates beautiful journals. It’s great to see.

3. Can you remember the first session or an early moment that has stayed with you? 

I remember those first sessions in the Garden Room. The room was meant for 12 people, but we’d regularly get more than 20 squeezed in! Especially in the mornings, people were always busy with different creative projects. The atmosphere was brilliant – you could hear everyone chatting, but it wasn’t overwhelming. And if it ever did feel too noisy for someone, we had breakout spaces around the building that we could use. That’s where I stepped in as the Participation Coordinator – I kept an eye out for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed and offered other options. It helped people stay involved, rather than leaving and not coming back. 

4. How do you think Creative Directions has changed over the years? 

The pandemic changed everything. When we started again after lockdown, things felt very different. Before COVID, people stayed all day. Now we’ve got distinct morning and afternoon groups – but attendance is really strong. The morning group is more open and self-led. Everyone does their own thing. There’s so much talent: some people do digital art; others draw by hand. Some people do creative writing, and one person creates beautiful journals. It’s great to see. I like to set simple projects – things you can make with everyday items at home, and they only take 10 or 20 minutes. People often end up sharing them with their kids or grandkids. I think that helps build confidence. It shows that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. 

I want people to see that not everyone who stands at the front of a room has spent ten extra years at university. That sends an important message: “Wow, maybe I could do that too.”

5. What changes do you see in people when they start engaging in the creative activities? 

The main one that makes me happy is when people start to make conversation with each other. Sometimes people are too shy or anxious to speak when they first start coming, but as they feel more comfortable, they will gradually make conversation. Then you’ll start to see them come in and leave with people and make friendships. People start to go to other darts groups and then other activities outside of The Point. There is a group of people who met at Creative Directions that go out for coffee during the week. There have been trips to the theatre, to the cinema, for meals out etc. I believe this is what we are here for. There are too many people stuck inside at home, with the curtains closed and doors locked. I feel even just getting to Creative Directions is an achievement – getting out of bed, leaving the house, maybe using public transport. There’s one person who’s been coming since we started 10 years ago, and in the past month they have just started saying “hello” and “how are you?” to other people. That is amazing. 

6. What has been your most joyful or unexpected moment during 10 years of Creative Directions? 

I can’t really think of one moment, but I do remember one person’s first session. They arrived with their support worker, overwhelmed and in tears – sobbing so much they couldn’t even leave. After talking to them for a while, they decided to stay and became a regular attendee. They have grown in confidence so much over the years – they have even written and directed a play! 

7. What does this 10-year milestone mean to you personally? 

I like how I can be the leader of the group because growing up, I always thought leaders had to be people who’d been to college, had training, all that. But my perspective changed thanks to a small reading group at my daughter’s school. They asked parents to volunteer, and their slogan really stuck with me: “If you can read this in less than 10 seconds, you can help someone who struggles.” I thought that was brilliant. It made me realise that you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. Even if you’re not the most knowledgeable or take a bit longer to figure things out – if you can do something someone else can’t, you’ve got the power to help them. I want people to see that not everyone who stands at the front of a room has spent ten extra years at university. That sends an important message: “Wow, maybe I could do that too.” This role also gives me purpose. I’ve struggled with my mental health, and in recent years physical health as well. But here, I get to help others, and that helps me too. 

8. If you could describe Creative Directions in just 3 words, what would they be? 

Three words is difficult! Welcoming, personal development, connection. 

9. What message would you like to share with everyone who has been part of the Creative Directions journey so far? 

We’ve not forgotten you; I hope that you’re doing well and please come back and see us – there is still a place for you here!  

10. What would you say to someone who has never been to Creative Directions but thinks they would like to try it? 

There’s a big world out there, and this group can help you find your place in it. We know that taking the first step can be really difficult, but we understand. We’re here to support you, wherever you’re starting from. 

Jamie adds:

It was only a 3-year project to begin with, and even getting 3 years of funding in one go was huge, but thanks to the team at darts we’ve pushed for funding to keep it going and that’s an amazing achievement. Thank you to the fundraisers, the funders and everyone involved behind the scenes for keeping Creative Directions going for 10 years.

If Jamie’s words have sparked your interest, why not give Creative Directions a try? It’s a free weekly group for adults in Doncaster, and you can find out all the details on the What’s On page of The Point website. We’d love to welcome you along: Creative Directions.