Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project

Creative workshops in the library for teens

Collection links
Location address: Gainsborough Community Library, Ipswich
Chosen age group:

Ages: 10 - 16 years

Available tickets:
Paid non HAF child £15 per session Free HAF eligible Free
Next date: Monday 22nd Dec,
Funded by Suffolk County Council
Universal provision
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project block mentored by Suffolk Community Libraries
A summary
Join us at Gainsborough Community Library for a variety of creative workshops throughout the winter holidays for 10-16 year olds! Workshops are 9:45am - 3:30pm and include lunch, drinks and snacks. Free places are available for those eligible for benefit related free school meals. Unsure if you’re eligible? For guidance visit www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals. For more information on each workshop and our brilliant artists, please visit our website: suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/blank-page If your booking is made within 72 hours of the workshop, we may not be able to accommodate specific dietary requirements. Please get in touch with the library location for the workshop to discuss options. Library: Gainsborough Library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, IP3 0RL 22 December: Making Personalised Keepsakes with Photographer Gillian Allard 29 December: Harness Your Imagination through Illustration with Designer Lucy Stuteley 2 January: Storytelling Workshop: Build Your Own Story Den with Theatre-maker Sian Burford-Thomas Workshop details: Monday 22 December 2025 09:45am - 15:30pm Making Personalised Keepsakes with Photographer Gillian Allard In this session with award-winning photographer Gillian Allard, you will be editing a photograph to seamlessly transfer on to a stone pebble. Once sealed you can decorate with posca pens and gems and even write a personal message on the reverse of the stone. You will be provided with a plain gift box and bag to add your own unique design and message and packaging to decorate the interior of your box. Disclaimer: If you would like to use a photograph of a pet, friend or family member that already exists, please send the image via email to theblankpageproj@gmail.com before the workshop. If not, you can take a selfie or choose an image from a book or online on the day. About Gillian: Gillian Allard (she/her) is a photographic artist based in Suffolk. She has been a freelance photographer since the '90s and specialises in documentary photography. Gillian has been commissioned for a number of projects including photographing Sir Paul McCartney at his recording studio. Monday 29 December 2025 09:45am - 15:30pm Harness Your Imagination through Illustration with Designer Lucy Stuteley Learn illustration techniques to develop your storytelling and ignite your imagination! Whether you like drawing, books or gaming, this workshop will teach you techniques to express yourself on the page. You will get to take home your festive creations, whether it be a card handmade with love, something that tells the story of your favourite memories of the year, or simply whatever your imagination allows! About Lucy: Lucy Stuteley is a writer, illustrator and the founder of Imagination Education. Imagination Education Workshops focus on developing creativity to encourage innovation, self-belief and wellbeing in schools and the community. Alongside the workshops Lucy creates and sells her storytelling products and is also seeking an agent to get her beloved picture books published. Friday 2 January 2025 09:45am - 15:30pm Storytelling Workshop: Build Your Own Story Den with Theatre-maker Sian Burford-Thomas Calling all den builders and story makers! Join us to create your very own cosy den space to house your unique micro-performance. We’ll be thinking up brand new stories based on our own ideas as we head into 2026 – think adventures, celebrations, hopes and dreams! We’ll be using theatre making techniques to get us thinking, but there’ll be no pressure to perform in front of others if you don’t want to. About Sian: Sian is dedicated to working in community-led participatory theatre, and has run numerous youth theatres, community art projects, school residencies, digital participation projects and more. She was responsible for family programming at The New Wolsey Theatre for over 5 years. As well as now running Stomping Ground Theatre, Sian is currently Lead Practitioner for the Mercury Theatre Young Company.
send accessibility checklist
1:1 care
2:1 care
Qualified to administer medication
Epilepsy trained
Secure environment
Accessible toilet
Assist with personal care and toileting
Hoist and changing bench
Sensory or quiet spaces
Makaton trained
PECS trained
More information available on request
Contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this list item.
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the the measures provided above. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
About your mentors
Suffolk Community Libraries
Where I belong.
We’re the independent charity that runs Suffolk’s library service. We nurture children’s literacy, support vulnerable people and promote wellbeing across Suffolk.
Lucy Stuteley
Illustrator, Imagination Education Founder
Lucy Stuteley is a storyteller (illustrator, writer) and the founder of Imagination Education. Imagination Education focuses on developing creativity to encourage innovation, self-belief and wellbeing. The workshops are held in schools and the community in and around Suffolk, England. Lucy has worked for over a decade as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. As a writer + illustrator Lucy is currently working on her children’s picture books. She has written and illustrated many stories and is currently seeking a literary agent to help get her books onto bookshelves. Lucy also designs and sells her creative and storytelling products including "HOW TO DRAW ..." activity packs, wall art, greetings cards, colour in activities and pin badges. She showcases her products at markets around Suffolk and the surrounding areas. www.lucystuteley.com Lucy regularly updates her social media: Instagram / Facebook: @lucy.stuteley + @imaginationeducation TikTok: @lucystuteley YouTube: @lucystuteley Patreon/Blog: lucystuteley You can find links to all of the above via the website: www.lucystuteley.com
Sian Burford-Thomas
Theatre maker & practitioner
I work with young people and communities to share stories, explore identity and develop skills through theatre making. I enjoy working with texts and well as devising original work, and it's really important to me that anyone taking part is at the centre of the process. I’m fascinated by what motivates us as human beings, exploring the catalysts for action and change, and the stories that make us who we are. I run inclusive workshops and encourage laughter, teamwork and a positive shared experience. I now work as a freelance artist after having spent 8 brilliant years at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.
Dilly
Suffolk libraries information advisor
Hiyaa I’m Dilly and I love animals, being creative, including sustainable creativity, when I’m not spending time interacting with animals or at gigs I can often be found either working or volunteering with young people, their enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and perspectives on the world they live in is a treasure to be part of and to learn from.
Grace Dersley
Relief Library & Information Advisor
A regular member of the team at Gainsborough Library, who loves to read, write and create. I used to work weekends and help run Girls Group in 2022, but now can often be found covering shifts on the weekdays and in school holidays. Radio and music are my other passions and I'm always trying to link them to my library work one way or another!
Gillian Alllard
A photographer
I enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge. I have a broad range of skills in photography from film to digital disciplines and other more experimental techniques. I am a qualified teacher and have a full DBS.
Georgia
Library and Information Advisor
Here to support the young people attending, and artists providing our Blank Page Project workshops. I look forward to seeing you all and having a fun time during our workshops
Mandy Grimwood
Passionate community library manager
I love working with the local community and being able to offer new, exciting opportunities for young people to improve their confidence, self-esteem and aspirations.
Samantha Scott
Library and Information Advisor
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Kim
Library and Information Advisor + Book Dragon
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Learning aims
Aim 1
To try something new and explore creativity
Aim 2
To learn about what Suffolk Libraries can offer
Aim 3
To develop confidence in meeting and working with new people
Pricing information
Ticket namePaid non HAF child
Price£15
Ticket name Free HAF eligible
Price£0
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LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections
Where we'll be
Gainsborough Community Library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0RL
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Snacks
Meals
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.