In Conversation: How Green Space is building creativity and community on Mutley Plain
What’s On Plymouth Culture Community Reporter and Fashion Designer Victoria Lammie caught up with Fiona Spicer, director of Green Space Community Hub on Mutley Plain, to discover more about the hub, the work they do and what makes it such an important part of the local community.
Tell me about the Green Space Community Hub?
Green Space is a follow on from the Green House community project CIC. A place for people to grow and find confidence and self worth. It helps marginalised and the lonely and those who just need to find hope. It now runs as an art and craft gallery and gift shop. The pieces on sale are made by local artisans, this is something we encourage. A percentage of the proceeds goes back into our local community helping to fund various initiatives and programmes we run at the hub. In the hub we have drop-in art groups/workshops, and a small counselling hub. ‘Little Sanctuary’ is just one of our counselling groups. This group is a day for women who might simply need a safe and welcoming place to be. We are trauma-informed and provide a relaxed space where women can sit, talk and connect with others over a warm drink. There will also be hot food, cake and clothing available, as well as local professional services on hand to offer advice, support and a friendly chat. It’s a chance to take some time for yourself, meet others and access support in a safe , informal and welcoming environment.
Photo by Victoria Lammie
When was Green Space Hub founded?
It was originally set up five years ago when we took on the shop unit. It was born out of the Green House Community Project, which supported people in recovery and those facing other challenges in life, helping them learn how to live in a safe and supportive environment. The shop became a natural development of that work, providing a space where people living in the houses could come along, learn how to work in a shop and gradually rebuild their confidence and self worth while developing new skills. For some, it has been a stepping stone to new opportunities with people going on to attend art school or train as Counsellors.
How can the general public get involved with Green Space Hub?
There are a number of ways that the public can get involved. If you’re an artist or creative you can sell your work with us. You can rent a room for such things as yoga classes, art workshops or counselling sessions for example. We have a variety of opportunities to volunteer and contribute your own unique skills and talent by running a workshop or supporting us in our shop. We also have a couple of artists in residence here. There's something for everyone!
Image by Victoria Lammie
Can you tell me about the counselling Hub?
We have a room in the hub for trained professional therapists to hire, for a small fee. I provide counselling there myself, and we also offer spaces at a reduced cost for people on low incomes, helping to make professional support more accessible to those who may otherwise struggle to afford it.
What future events do you have planned at Green Space Hub?
We’re hoping to run a number of creative workshops in the run-up to Christmas, including card-making, mosaic, ceramics, wreath making and life drawing. We’re also planning a sculpture course, designed to encourage women to explore how they see themselves and express that through creating their own sculpture. The workshops are a chance to learn new skills, get creative and spend time in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Image: Green Space
Fiona is an inspiration, the work she and her team of volunteers are doing at the Green Space Community Hub is really something special. She has also been awarded an honorary degree from Marjons University Plymouth for her services to the local community, which she is due to receive in October.
Green Space Community Hub is such a valuable part of the local community in Plymouth! It would be fantastic to see more artists discovering the hub and finding ways to support the work they’re doing, as well as members of the public getting involved. There are so many amazing things happening there, from creative activities and workshops to the wonderful gallery and shop. It’s a place that has so much to offer! be sure to go and visit them and find out how you can get involved.
Green Space Community Hub
30 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LB
