New workshops: Free for creatives in Warrington
Introducing our professional development workshops – FREE for artists and creative practitioners in Warrington.
OVERVIEW:
We’re excited to have teamed up with applied theatre practitioner and arts leader Lynsey O’Sullivan to run a series of five masterclasses to equip artists with the essential skills, knowledge and confidence they need to work effectively with children, young people and communities across various creative contexts.
Whether you’re an established artist curious about community engagement, or a creative practitioner looking to deepen your skills working with young people and communities, these professional development workshops will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools you need to create impactful work.
Attend one workshop or all five – each session is designed as a standalone learning experience, so you can focus on the skills most relevant to your practice right now. Free for Warrington artists and creative practitioners but booking is essential with full info below.
THE WORKSHOPS:
WORKSHOP 1: TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICE
Thu 15 Jan 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Led by Sarah Harrison-Greaves, Art Psychotherapist
In this immersive and participatory workshop, we will explore the impact of trauma, how this might present in groups of children and young people and how to respond. We will also explore professional boundaries and self-care, as practitioners. You will experience regulating art activities and ideas for trauma informed work to take with you into your own practice.
Perfect for: Any creative practitioner wanting to work more sensitively and effectively or deepen their awareness of trauma-informed approaches. Sign up here.
WORKSHOP 2: FOUNDATIONS – AN INTRODUCTION TO WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Thu 22 Jan 2026 | 6pm-8pm | Led by Lynsey O’Sullivan
New to working with children and young people? This workshop covers the essentials of how to adapt your practice for this context. Learn how to plan and structure workshops for young people, to support different developmental stages, and support group dynamics effectively. You’ll leave with adaptable activities for your creative toolkit and practical strategies for inclusive practice.
Perfect for: Artists and creatives taking their first steps into facilitation with under 18s, or anyone wanting to refresh their foundational skills. Sign up here.
WORKSHOP 3: AN INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Thu 29 Jan 2026 | 6.30pm-8.30pm | Led by Sarah Emmott, from Art with Heart
A bespoke workshop filled with info, tips and ideas to make your work more inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people.
Perfect for: Practitioners who want to learn more about how to adapt their practice to engage neurodivergent or disabled children and young people. Sign up here.
WORKSHOP 4: SAFEGUARDING TRAINING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE
Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 6pm-8pm evening session | Led by Lynsey O’Sullivan
Working with children and young people comes with important professional responsibilities. This essential training covers legislative safeguarding requirements, reporting procedures, and ethical frameworks for creative practice. This workshop covers all aspects of foundational safeguarding information and procedures for freelancers.
Perfect for: Anyone working or planning to work with children and young people who needs up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and ethical guidance for their practice. Sign me up here.
WORKSHOP 5: CO-CREATION AND COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
Thu 12 Feb 2026 | 6pm-8pm | Led by Lynsey O’Sullivan
Move beyond consultation to authentic co-creation. This workshop explores how to genuinely ‘democratise’ power in creative processes and meaningfully embed young people’s ideas in creative projects. This workshop offers a practical exploration of co-creation principles and the opportunity to develop the skills and awareness to create work where young people are true collaborators, not participants.
Perfect for: Artists and practitioners wanting to co-creation in their work with young people. Sign up here.
Flexible learning, professional growth
All workshops run as two to three-hour evening sessions to fit around your schedule. Please note there are limited spaces to ensure quality interaction and hands-on learning – so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
HOW TO BOOK:
Sessions begin January 2026. Choose the workshops that match your learning needs and professional practice.
Booking is essential, so sign up for one or more of the sessions, click here.
Where to find us
The Warrington Wolves Community Foundation, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, WA2 7NE
Questions about which workshops are right for you?
Get in touch—we’re here to help!
If you have access requirements or would like more information, please email Lauren at lbanks@culturewarrington.org
MORE INFO:
Why are we offering these workshops free for Warrington creatives?
We want to build on the success and legacy of the relaunch of Warrington Arts Festival (WAF) and the lasting partnerships we’ve made since then.
WAF may be an annual event. But one of our goals beyond the festival is to provide opportunities for creatives, and retain emerging talent in our town.
We want to nurture, sustain and grow a network of Warrington artists – giving them the tools they need to create impactful work. Consider this part of our commitment and our long term planning towards realising that.
About our workshop leader
Lynsey O’Sullivan has extensive experience working with children, young people and communities across Greater Manchester and further afield, including internationally.
As Executive Director of Learning and Engagement at The Lowry for a decade, Lynsey pioneered an innovative approach to working with young carers and looked after children, diversifying audiences accessing cultural opportunities.
Prior to this, Lynsey spent three years as a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, specialising in theatre, music and community practice. Here her work explored applied theatre practice in areas of international conflict and with Trauma experienced children.
As Strategic Lead for the Salford Local Cultural Education Partnership, Lynsey recently led a 12-month city-wide consultation process that resulted in ‘PLAY IS POWERFUL’—a bold three-year strategy positioning play at the heart of children’s cultural experiences.
Her experience over the past 20 years bridges academic understanding with grassroots practice, ensuring her work is both evidence-based and responsive to children’s lived experiences.