Short Breaks – Being Me Clubs

Can’t Sit Still is a charity that uses creativity to challenge inequality, connect communities and spread joy. They work with people often excluded from the arts to create accessible, meaningful experiences.

Can’t Sit Still launched their Being Me Clubs in Cheltenham in October 2023,  funded by Barnwood Trust’s Short Breaks programme. The clubs support autistic girls, young women and non-binary people aged 11-25. Sessions offer creative, inclusive spaces to build confidence, try new things and meet others.

Sessions are planned  with the young people who take part and are run by artists, most of whom are autistic or neurodivergent. The team takes a relationship-based approach. They provide tailored support and adapt each week to meet changing access needs.

Anna’s Story (names have been changed)
Anna is a young person who, like many others, needed time, space, and understanding to feel safe in new places. At first, attending the Being Me Club was difficult for her. But, with the right support, things began to change.

Before each session, families were sent clear, simple information – who would be there, what the space would look like, and what to expect. This helped Anna prepare and feel more at ease.

Each week, a staff member from Can’t Sit Still met Anna and her mum at the door and stayed with them in the corridor. They talked and built trust, never rushing her to join the rest of the group. Some weeks looked different to others – but every week, the support was flexible, patient and kind.

Once inside, a five-minute timer gave Anna the option to leave if she wanted to – but each week, she chose to stay. Her mum then spent time in the Being Me parent room – a welcoming space where parent-carers could relax, share experiences, and feel supported too.

In the sessions, staff gently supported Anna to build connections. She joined in creative activities at her own pace and began having joyful conversations with other young people. Over time, she began to feel safe, included, and confident being herself.

That confidence didn’t stop when the session ended – it carried into other parts of her life. Anna began making art at home, choosing creativity over screen time. She joined in with making snacks in a group, something that used to feel too difficult. She  adjusted her sleep routine so she could keep attending the clubs.  Anna also began to think about returning to school and felt able to speak up for what she needed.

Being Me is just one example of how the Short Breaks Programme is creating lasting change. These sessions give young people, like Anna, the opportunity to grow, connect and thrive in ways  beyond the sessions themselves.