Since beginning to offer Workshops at Bluebird House in 2017, Bluebird Foundation has had a strong commitment to supporting the social participation of disadvantaged young people by providing scholarships and supported pathways that have allowed them to attend creative arts workshops that align with their personal interests. A robust network of partnerships among social welfare agencies, schools and other community organisations has ensured appropriate identification, recruitment and support of participants.
 
When face-to-face workshops were closed down in March due to COVID-19 restrictions an urgent need was identified to move workshops online to maintain critical connections and support young people through a difficult year.
 
The grant from The Rotary Club of Geelong East has provided short-term financial support to allow the establishment of the online Creative Crew program.
 
Two age groups (8-12 yr olds and 13-18yr olds) have participated in weekly live video-conferences, had access to a password-protected website with creative prompts and forums for sharing artworks, and have had art material packs delivered to doorsteps.
 
So far, 37 young people have participated in the online Creative Crew program through collaborations with the following organisations:
• Barwon Child Youth & Family
• Barwon Health
• Bethany
• Newcomb Park Primary School, Newcomb
• Tate Street Primary School, Thomson
 
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