Clay Together is a programme of creative clay sessions, designed especially for care-experienced children and young people, and their carers. It provides a safe and welcoming space at the BCB Studio in Stoke-on-Trent, where they can explore clay, build confidence and connect with others.
The creative sessions are a chance to make something with clay. Along the way, those taking part will learn something new, be creative, use their hands and express themselves and their ideas with clay. They might even meet someone new, become more confident, relax and have fun or be proud of themselves for taking part.
Why Clay Together?
In March 2024, there was a record high of 1,156 children in care in Stoke-on-Trent. Relative to population, this is more than any other English local authority. Children and young people who have experience of the care system can experience more challenges with their mental health and social isolation, especially during their teenage years when they are facing the educational and emotional changes experienced by all teenagers.
For many young people in care, everyday life can feel tightly controlled, with limited opportunities to make their own choices. Creative spaces can offer something different: a chance to experiment, express themselves, and shape something with their own hands.
Taking part in Clay Together will give young people the opportunity to gain new skills, build confidence and socialise with others with similar experiences. The young people taking part will be able to shape the direction of the activities and work collaboratively with others in the programme. This will help them improve skills to communicate their interests, develop leadership skills, and provide creative challenges in a supportive environment.
Workshops
We have ten workshops scheduled for the second Sundays of each month, beginning in July 2026 and running until April 2027. Each workshop lasts for two hours, with the studio opening 30 minutes beforehand to give you time to settle into the space. You can book to attend a single session or even sign up for all ten.
Learn more about the Clay Together Workshops here.
How to take part in Clay Together workshops
This project is for children and young people under 16 with any degree of care experience and care-experienced families.
This includes:
- children living in residential care settings
- children in foster care
- adopted children
- children that are/or have been subject to a care order.
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This can include biological, kinship, adoptive or foster family members, or care professionals. Children and young people who are living in care experienced families (but are not themselves care experienced) are also welcome to attend.
Please book a free place for the child/children who would like to attend on our Clay Together Workshops page. If you have any questions at all about the workshops, please contact jo@britishceramicsbiennial.com
Support
The Clay Together programme was made possible through the generous donations made by local philanthropists via the 2026 Big Give Arts for Impact campaign backed by Arts Council England.