From humble beginnings to a growing community of empowered makers, our journey continues, and the best is yet to come.
Empowering women, young people and communities through free and affordable creative skills training (2023 -2025)
OUR IMPACT
Skilled Hands exists to empower women and young people who face barriers to employment, confidence, and financial independence. Through free and affordable craft-based training, accredited learning, and community support, we help people build practical skills that lead to confidence, income opportunities, and improved well-being.
Between the end of 2023 and the end of 2025, our programmes focused on delivering inclusive, high-quality creative opportunities that remove financial barriers and create meaningful pathways into education, employment, enterprise, and community participation
How We Create Impact
Our approach is based on a clear Theory of Change: when women and young people have access to free or affordable creative skills training in supportive environments, they gain confidence, practical skills, and pathways to income. Over time, this leads to improved financial stability, stronger wellbeing, and more inclusive communities.
From left to right: Norma Gregory DLitt, MA, BA, PGCE, PG Cert, diverse heritage specialist and creative practitioner; a Skilled Hands participant receiving her NOCN certificate; and Jackie Cunningham, Director of Advanced Textile Solutions Ltd. They presented the award during the Red Carpet 5 celebration (Threads Of Legacy), recognising creativity, achievement and community impact.
From left to right: Dr Norma Gregory, Jackie Cunningham, alongside five Skilled Hands beneficiaries who are launching their small businesses using the craft skills they acquired through the Skilled Hands programme. The ribbon-cutting marked the official launch of the businesses at Red Carpet Five: Threads of Legacy, held at the Nottingham Arts Theatre.
What Our Impact Looks Like in Practice
Free Craft Workshops for Women
Between 2023 and 2025, Skilled Hands delivered 405 free craft workshops for women, empowering 206 women through practical, hands-on training. These workshops removed financial barriers and provided supportive spaces where women could develop craft skills, build confidence, and create peer networks. Many participants went on to start small businesses, gain NOCN-accredited qualifications, or progress into employment.
Accredited Training and Small Business Support
During the same period, 73 women received NOCN accreditation, enhancing their employability and providing formal recognition of their skills. Nine women started small businesses, using the skills gained in our workshops to generate sustainable income. A few went on to work with the skills gained, and seven women entered into craft competitions and took 1st or 2nd position. Enterprise and business support sessions provided mentoring, practical guidance, and confidence-building.
After School Craft Clubs (The Craft Lab) and NEET Support
Skilled Hands has piloted the After School Craft Clubs (The Craft Lab), designed to develop creativity, focus, practical craft skills, and problem-solving abilities among children and young people. As part of this programme, we are introducing targeted support for young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
The club and craft lab have been carefully structured to enable NEET participants to gain constructive engagement, essential life skills, and pathways to re-enter education, training, or employment. In contrast, all participants benefit from confidence-building and exposure to creative career opportunities.
Sustainability and Upcycling Programmes
Upcycling and recycling workshops taught participants to transform waste materials into functional and decorative products. These programmes encouraged sustainable crafting, environmental awareness, and opportunities to generate income, supporting both personal development and wider community benefit.
Real Testimonials
“Skilled Hands gave me the confidence and skills to start my own business. I feel part of a real community” - Emma P., Nottingham
See how our workshops have transformed lives. Watch our audio reviews on YouTube
Accountability & Learning
Skilled Hands is committed to continuous learning and improvement. We monitor participation, progression, and outcomes to ensure our programmes remain inclusive, effective, and responsive. Our Theory of Change guides programme design, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring that every workshop contributes to long-term impact.
Impact At A Glance
2023 - 2025 figures:
449 Craft Sessions delivered in total
405 Free workshops for women
206 women trained in various funded craft and small business set-up workshops
21 Children attended the pilot After-School Craft Club
73 Women received NOCN accreditation
9 Women started small businesses with acquired craft skills
7 Women entered various craft competitions
5 Women got jobs with the skills they learnt
The Difference Our Work Makes (Outcomes)
Increase confidence and self-esteem
Improve practical and employability skills
Improve problem-solving skills
Pathways to self-employment and small business
Improved Mental well-being
Stronger social connections
Greater participation of women in the local creative economy