In February 2021, during the uncertainty of lockdown, I launched a crowdfunding campaign to support The 40 Project, an initiative aimed at helping women in need. At the time, as a freelancer, my income had dropped significantly, and I couldn’t contribute the usual 10% of my earnings. Since then, The 40 Project has grown, and we now provide over 80 sanitary kits a month for women in Plymouth who are sofa-surfing, homeless, or working on the streets. With the support of Changing Futures, we’re entering our 5th year and expanding our work to support even more women.
What is The 40 Project?
The 40 Project was founded to support women who experience period poverty or homelessness in the Plymouth area. The project provides sanitary kits and essential items to women who find themselves in vulnerable situations—whether they are living on the streets, sofa surfing, or working in unsafe conditions. This initiative was born out of a desire to use my position as a freelance artist to help those who couldn’t access basic necessities. But over time, the project has grown into something much more. Now, I’m expanding my efforts to not only provide practical support but to create spaces for creative empowerment and personal growth through artistic collaboration.
A Shift Towards Creative Empowerment
With Changing Futures supporting our next year of making sanitary kits and The 40 Project heading into its 5th year, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. But something has shifted, and I’m ready to build on that foundation. I’ve always believed that art can be transformative, and now I want to combine my creative skills with my passion for helping those who have been excluded from artistic opportunities—particularly women who have experienced period poverty or homelessness.
The new initiative I’m developing is the Creative Toolkit—a space where women can express themselves through writing, whether it's poetry, prose, or any form of creative writing. The unique part of this project is the opportunity for their words to be shared with dancers who will bring them to life. Professional dancers will collaborate with the women, choreographing movement that reflects their stories and transforms their words into physical expressions.
Why is this important? Because “we are all made of stories”—but some stories have been forgotten or overlooked. Every story is valuable, and with this project, I want to make sure these women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and shared.
The Power of Movement and Creative Collaboration
This project isn’t just about writing and dancing—it’s about community, healing, and empowerment. The women will not only write and reflect on their experiences but will also have the opportunity to collaborate with professional dancers who will use their skills to give the words new meaning. They’ll step into the director’s chair, taking ownership of their own stories and deciding how they want them to be shared through movement.
Whether it’s creating a short film, showcasing the choreography in a theatre performance, or sharing their work online, the possibilities for these women to step into the spotlight and share their stories are endless. This isn’t just an art project—it’s a powerful vehicle for social change.
How the Funds Will Be Used
The funds raised will allow us to develop the Creative Toolkit, ensuring it is accessible, supportive, and protective of all the participants. Here’s how we will allocate the funds:
Supporting the Dancers: Professional dancers who will collaborate with the women to choreograph their stories. Your support will pay them for their time and expertise.
Project Management and Logistics: The funds will also cover the time needed to manage and coordinate this initiative, ensuring that all moving parts come together seamlessly and safely.
Sharing the Work: Whether through film, live performance, or other mediums, your contribution will ensure the work is showcased to a wider audience, giving these women the platform they deserve.
Why Your Support Matters
Your contribution will directly impact the lives of women in Plymouth who have been marginalized. By providing them with a creative outlet, you’re helping them express themselves in new and empowering ways. This isn’t just about giving them a voice—it’s about giving them control over how their stories are told.
The women involved will not only engage in the creative process but also benefit from the artistic support and mentorship that they might not have had access to otherwise. This project creates a space where they can reflect on their experiences, grow as individuals, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
By supporting this project, you’re investing in the stories that need to be heard and helping women step into their power.
Next Steps
To kick off this new phase of the Creative Toolkit, I’m hosting a fundraiser on December 14th at Oxford House Creative Hub in Plymouth, where we’ll raise money for these courses. For just £15, you can join us for a fun-filled 80s Mash-Up Dance Class! It’s a two-hour session where you can get your groove on, have a laugh, and help support this creative initiative at the same time.
By attending, you’ll be directly contributing to the development of the Creative Toolkit courses, giving women the opportunity to share their stories through writing and dance. It’s a great chance to get involved, have some fun, and support this important work.
If you can’t make it, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to support, whether through a donation or by spreading the word about this project.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the fundraiser and sharing more about the Creative Toolkit with you all!