An enlightening volunteering experience
Hannah started volunteering with Ecas as our Art Assistant in November 2024.
We asked her to share her Ecas story. We also asked her why she would recommend volunteering with Ecas. Something she was delighted to do!
Hannah moved to Edinburgh after graduating from university. Before her move to Scotland, she had also founded an artist collective with a focus on providing accessible art workshops for her local community in South East London.
When she arrived in Edinburgh, Hannah was feeling curious and wanting to explore a new city.
Luckily for us, her quest brought her to Ecas.
When I moved up to Edinburgh, I was missing this creative connection element of my life, so I sought out to find a way I could continue to connect with my new community through art.
Hannah found the opportunity to volunteer with Ecas via the Edinburgh Volunteer website
Hannah’s time with Ecas
Volunteering with Ecas has been so, so rewarding! Getting to know each group member, week by week, and their art styles has been a wonder.
It has been as much of a social element in my life, as it was for the attendees. I loved talking to the group and learning everyone’s stories, whilst we spent the afternoon creating.
My happiest memory was listening to Kate Bush, creating all sorts of artwork, and discussing everyone’s favourite 80’s stars!
A bright creative future
It has been great having Hannah as part of the Ecas team, and we’re delighted the experience has been so rewarding. It has also proved pivotal in shaping the direction of her future career.
The experience and confidence I gained during my time with Ecas really gave me what I needed in making the decision to pursue my career as an art teacher. I will be starting my training this coming September which is super exciting, and I accredit my time with Ecas in pushing my confidence enough to pursue this line of work.
Erin, one of our Ecas Art Group leaders, has really enjoyed Hannah’s contribution and the mutual benefit the expereince has brought for all involved,
Hannah brought so much to our Friday art group; creative skills, inspiration, curiosity… and most importantly, JOY! We had so many interesting conversations whilst making beautiful art.
I’m pleased that whilst Hannah has given us valuable support, this experience has also given HER the confidence to take the next steps in her career!
We asked Hannah if she could sum up her time with Ecas in three words?
Summarising my experience at Ecas, in three words, I would say it has been confidence boosting, enlightening and creatively experimental!
It’s an experience I would 10000% recommend to others, especially those wanting to experience teaching/ facilitating art classes in a way that isn’t linear and is rooted in experimental practices.
Thank you, Hannah, for the energy and creativity you have brought to the Ecas Art Group. We wish you every success in the future and hope you’ll pop in to see us along the way,
Volunteer Craft Assistant Opportunity with Ecas
Inspired by Hannah’s story and passionate about crafts and volunteering to help people with a physical disability in Edinburgh?
We have opportunities in our Craft Group on Friday mornings. The roles involve a variety of tasks, including one-to-one support to participants who are adults with physical disabilities and building an ongoing supportive relationship with them.
The group is fun and relaxed with people who love to be creative.