We’re launching a new coaching programme for creatives in Tendring!
It’s tough being a creative freelancer or running your own creative/cultural organisation. But it’s also true that we are stronger together. That’s why we’re super excited to be launching a new action learning (group coaching) programme for fellow artists, creative freelancers and people running creative organisations in Tendring.
Entirely free, the aim through this group coaching is to nurture a stronger peer learning culture and provide regular, ongoing support and connection. To submit your expression of interest just head here!
Action learning is like working with a team of brilliant inspiring coaches….
Imagine having a team of brilliant, inspiring coaches – working with you to help you with the big decisions you need to make, and you’re in the right ball park. Sounds great, right? That’s what you’ll get from this project – that, and the chance to develop your own coaching skills.
Action learning involves working on real issues and implementing solutions. From my own experience, it can really stretch your thinking and is great for tackling the isolation that often goes with being an artist, freelancer or running your own creative organisation.
It unlocks real ‘lightbulb’ moments, creates action and nurtures connections
For me, being part of an action learning set has been the single most useful investment I’ve ever made in my professional development. It literally changed my life! And since becoming an action learning facilitator I’ve gone on to run sets for hundreds of creative freelancers up and down the country – from creative producers to illustrators, composers, copywriters and even acrobats!
Again and again, I’ve seen it help people unlock really powerful reflections, decisions and actions – true ‘lightbulb moments’ – and increase their confidence and resilience. It’s incredible how quickly trust and relationships develop between set members, and I LOVE how everyone leaves each session with new energy and resolve. It’s like magic!
Providing a safe space for reflection, it’s not about telling each other what to do, more about helping people to find the answers themselves.
Get the lowdown here & sign up to our online intro session to find out more…
***If you’d like to find out more about what’s involved, we’d love you to come along to our 30 min introduction session on zoom at 10.30am on Mon 17 November.
You can sign up for it here.***
Meanwhile, here’s the lowdown on the project…
The project gives 12-16 people from Tendring’s creative community the chance to join one of two new coaching groups (action learning ‘sets’). You’ll get the help you need to weather the challenges you face and make the most of opportunities around the corner.
From mid-December-mid-March, our 2 action learning sets (6-8 people each) will meet every fortnight(ish) on the dates below, for 1.5 hours each time. One set will meet at the nOse in Walton, the other at Harwich Arts Centre. We’ll schedule sessions around set members, so when you apply you just pick the location and timeslot (morning: 10-11.30/afternoon: 1-2.30/evening: 7-8.30) that works best for you on these dates, and we’ll work out a schedule from there.
The dates each set will meet are:
Set 1 (the nOse, Walton), all Wednesdays:
17 Dec (2hr session); 7 Jan; 21 Jan; 4 Feb; 18 Feb; 4 Mar; 18 Mar
Set 2 (Harwich Arts Centre), all Thursdays:
18 Dec (2hr session); 8 Jan; 22 Jan; 5 Feb; 19 Feb; 5 Mar; 19 Mar
So what will actually happen in each session? And how much does it cost?
Each action learning involves a coaching conversation in which someone from the group (or ‘set’) brings a problem or opportunity they need help with figuring out. During the conversation their fellow set members work together with the facilitator (that’s me!) to coach them towards an answer that’s right for them. We take it in turns over the project so that everyone gets help when they need it, but in each session there’s also a moment for everyone to think about what they’ve learnt from the conversation. And along the way you’ll also develop the skills to facilitate action learning conversations yourselves, so that – if you want to – you can continue to meet as a set and/or create a new set of your own at the end of the project.
It’s free to take part, as the project has been funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. But to be in with a chance of joining the programme you must be able to commit to attending all of either the Walton or Harwich sessions.
I’m in! What do I do next?
If you’d like to be considered for one of the spaces, all you need to do is fill out this short expression of interest form by 30 November 2025. It’ll just take about 5-10 minutes. Rather apply by video? That’s fine. Just follow the instructions on the form. Any questions, just email julia@thehubuk.com.
We’ll get back to everyone who applies by xxxxx. In the meantime, do pencil the set meeting dates in your diary. Thanks!
