Pass It On Project
Overview
Pass It On Project is an exciting new community initiative designed to celebrate creativity, culture, and connection in Newham and beyond. The project will support six trainee workshop facilitators/producers to develop their own workshop series, then deliver their workshops to the public.
During their time as part of Pass It On Project, the trainee workshop facilitators will attend masterclasses designed to empower them to share their creative and cultural talents with others, creating a ripple effect of learning and inspiration throughout the community.
At its heart, the Pass It On Project is about valuing the skills and stories that already exist within our neighbourhoods. Whether it’s pottery, calligraphy, Kathi embroidery, henna design, crochet, or origami—every creative expression has something to offer. The project creates a welcoming space where those talents can be passed on, experienced, and appreciated by others.
Through this model, the Pass It On Project supports creative growth, builds cross-cultural understanding, and strengthens community pride. It recognises that creativity doesn’t just belong in studios or galleries—it lives in living rooms, community halls, and the hands of local people. By creating a platform for these skills to be shared and celebrated, we’re not only enriching the cultural life of Newham but investing in the next generation of community creators and cultural ambassadors.
Want to join in?
There are two ways to take part. The first is as a participant, by attending free two-hour creative workshops led by local talent. These sessions are open to everyone and designed to be accessible, joyful, and hands-on. Each workshop is an opportunity to learn something new, meet others, and experience the pleasure of creating.
The public workshops will take place before January 2026 - keep an eye on the Culture Within Newham events page, or follow Community Clay Newham on Instagram to be first to find out.
Become a trainee workshop facilitator
The second way to get involved is as a trainee workshop facilitator—someone who has a creative or cultural skill and wants to learn how to share it with an audience. Community Clay Newham will provide free training in key areas such as session planning, marketing and outreach, budgeting, and presentation skills. Over six months, participants receive guidance and mentorship to refine their workshop ideas and deliver their first live community session.
Our aim is to build confidence and capability so that, by the end of the project, each trainee facilitator leaves with the tools and belief to continue independently—perhaps developing their workshops into paid opportunities or community-led enterprises.
Applications for the trainee workshop facilitator cohort are open now.
About the project partners
Community Clay Newham
Community Clay Newham is a newly formed Community Interest Company in East London, dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic power of clay. From small group hand-building sessions to lively paint-your-own pottery workshops—we curate accessible, inclusive spaces where creativity and connection thrive. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, ease loneliness, and promote better mental health through the mindful, hands-on process of working with clay.
Ife Okwudili
After more than 20 years producing and developing television in the UK and North America, Ife Okwudili decided to bring her creativity closer to home. With an MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching, and a long career spent nurturing creative talent behind the scenes, she understands the power of confidence, collaboration, and connection.
In 2024, Ife founded Community Clay Newham (CCN) that brings people together through the mindful, hands-on act of making. What began as a small idea about the therapeutic potential of clay has grown into a thriving creative enterprise where residents of all ages and backgrounds come to explore, connect, and unwind.
CCN’s motto—“Come for the creativity, stay for the community”—captures its spirit perfectly. In less than a year, the organisation has delivered five funded projects and a growing programme of accessible workshops. Whether it’s pottery, fabric art, or another tactile craft, every session is designed to boost wellbeing, spark creativity, and celebrate the joy of making. Through CCN, Ife is continuing what she’s always done best: creating spaces where people’s potential can flourish and where creativity becomes a catalyst for connection and personal growth.
Other projects you might be interested in
