About us | UC CREATIVES

What is UC CREATIVES?

UC CREATIVES is a participatory arts project coproduced with people who have experience of claiming Universal Credit (UC). The project is part of the public involvement and impact work of a large-scale Evaluation of the Health Impacts of Universal Credit.

What are our aims?

At the start, the UC CREATIVES team wanted to provide a platform where people with experience of UC could express themselves with dignity in respected and respectful spaces. We were interested to see whether creative art forms could be a good way for people to share their experiences of UC and engage a wider audience. As a collective voice, we are now using our exhibition to influence attitudes and awareness of the impacts of UC on mental health and wellbeing. We hope to bring about change in policy and practice both locally and nationally.

Who are we?

We are a collaboration of researchers and practitioners (from Newcastle University, Northumbria University and SVP Deaf Centre), and members of the public with experience of Universal Credit. UC CREATIVES is the product of the committed and passionate facilitation and organising team (who feature below) + 7 wonderful CREATIVES with experience of claiming UC!

PJ Atkinson

Hi, I’m PJ, a co-producer extraordinaire! I was on UC suffering from depression and anxiety. I learnt poetry and writing as part of my mental health improvement and loved teaching those things to this group when I led the poetry workshop. I am a big supporter of lived experience being part of decision makers' processes... and an equally big supporter of Newcastle United!

Mandy Cheetham

Hi, I'm Mandy, I’m a researcher at Northumbria University. I'm passionate about utilising the arts in public health and research, so have loved this project. I live by the coast and enjoy an occasional swim in the North Sea but have yet to persuade either of my two Labradors to join me!

Lisa Holden

Hi, I am Lisa, mum of a 12 year-old. I was an art therapist (MA Level), now I’m a part-time freelance community connector, and ‘actively seeking work’. Always trying to stay off grid but stay on pointe. A full-time optimist on long-term DWP benefits, and Universal Credit since 2016. Leading a workshop as part of being involved in the UC CREATIVES team has been absolutely life-changing. It has changed my way of looking at things and it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. Being able to speak to people who see me as useful and of worth has really had a quite profound effect on me. Thank you UC CREATIVES!

Suzanne Moffatt

Hi, I’m Suzanne. I’ve assisted Steph and the gang throughout this project . I’m a retired professor and when I’m not still working, I spend my time gardening, volunteering and getting out and about in the great outdoors. I care deeply about enabling those involved in research having their voices heard, particularly through the creative arts. In doing so, I believe we can reach a wider audience and hopefully make changes for the better.

Steph Morris

Hi I'm Steph, I lead and manage the project. I'm a part-time researcher, part-time crazy cat lady/ mad cyclist/ happy hiker! I love all stuff arty and creative, and am constantly looking for innovative ways to get people’s stories heard and create change. I'm so proud of what we've achieved with UC CREATIVES- it's gone beyond what I could have imagined when PJ and I first put our heads together in February 2022.

Jacques Verkade

Hi, I'm Jacques. I joined the team on a Newcastle University Internship to take on the role of a creative worker/curator for the DO UC US exhibition. I'm studying an MA in Fine Art and really enjoy techy art stuff - I hope you like the virtual tour!

Megan Nottingham

Hi, I’m Megan the manager of the SVP Deaf Centre, Newcastle.
As a part of the VCSE sector - I actively seek opportunities to engage our community in academic research with the view to amplifying their voices. I initially approached Steph who raised the possibility of doing a creative project. This resonated instantly and we began a beautiful new partnership! I am passionate about all things arts, architecture, and the beauty of nature. I love nurturing plants and people! Week after week I’ve witnessed the UC CREATIVES group sharing their experiences, becoming more connected and more resilient. Their stories are inspiring and deserve to be heard.
I am incredibly grateful for being a part of the UC CREATIVES' journey, which I am certain will continue in various precious ways.

Jasmine

Hi, I'm Jasmine. I'm Steph's home office mate. I've been involved with UC CREATIVES since the beginning when I joined in some Zoom calls. I may have slept through the workshops and exhibition but I have been a great therapy cat in times in stress!

Who is funding UC CREATIVES?

Our team is grateful for the financial support received via Newcastle University from the Catherine Cookson Foundation Fund, The Tilly Hale Awards and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESCR) Impact Acceleration Account. We are also grateful for financial support from Northumbria University. Jacques Verkade is funded by Newcastle University Jobs on Campus Internship scheme, and Steph Morris is part-funded by the the Newcastle University ESCR Impact Acceleration Account and part funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in her role as a Research Associate on the evaluation of the health impacts of UC. This website expresses the views of the UC CREATIVES organising team and group members and does not represent views of the funders. The project has only been possible due to in-kind support provided by staff from SVP Deaf Centre, Newcastle and Northumbria Universities.