Reflections from the MYRIAD Networking Event
On Wednesday 16th April, we welcomed a vibrant and inspiring mix of VCFSE organisations, university representatives, therapists, artists, project facilitators, and healthcare professionals to our final MYRIAD networking event. This gathering was not just a chance to connect, but a space to reflect on the last two years of the MYRIAD project—and to begin imagining what could come next.
For those new to MYRIAD, the project has been a two-year journey focused on supporting the growth and sustainability of the VCFSE sector, with a particular emphasis on creative health and engagement with global majority communities, organisations, and facilitators. The energy in the room made one thing clear: the work of MYRIAD is vital—and far from finished.
Celebrating Achievements
We kicked things off by taking stock of what we’ve achieved. Over the course of the project, we’ve:
· Hosted three well-attended networking events
· Formed a consortium and created a sector directory
· Developed a Core Competency framework
· Run Action Learning sets for organisation leads
· Offered “Time to Reflect” sessions for freelancers
· Delivered a six-day SPARK training programme
· Supported five community-led funded projects
· Built a thriving community of practice
· Facilitated trauma-informed training
· And co-hosted a higher education conference
It’s been a full and rewarding two years—and it was energising to share these milestones with so many who helped make them possible and those who wanted to continue the work.
Stories That Stick
The event also featured powerful real-life reflections. Lorraine Ballentine who completed the SPARK training shared how the experience helped them build confidence, skills, and new pathways into creative health work. We also heard from the charity lead at Ephrata Church. Dr. Kayonda, whose organisation received funding to run a community project through MYRIAD—a clear example of how meaningful, sustainable change is being supported.
Looking to the Future
Much of the day was focused on the future: what should continue if MYRIAD is funded again, and how we can ensure that the learning and insights from the past two years are captured and shared widely. Attendees helped shape a wishlist of priorities—both for the sector at large and for their own professional development.
We’re now working on three exciting next steps:
· A dissemination event where we’ll share our key learnings more broadly
· The publication of a sector-wide resource to support others working in creative health
· And a growing directory of engaged organisations and individuals, laying the groundwork for what we’re already calling MYRIAD 2.0
A Shared Commitment
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the event was the sense of shared commitment. There was real energy in the room—energy that reaffirmed just how necessary the MYRIAD project is for the VCFSE and creative health sectors. The ideas, stories, and connections that emerged will shape our next steps, and we’re excited to carry this momentum forward.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and shared their hopes for what comes next. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming dissemination event—and to continuing this journey together.
