RISE2Thrive Trailblazer: Routes Forward
Explore your strengths. Build confidence. Map your journey.
Join FULLY FUNDED creative and coaching programme designed to help you grow, connect and thrive.
Cost – There is no cost to participants.
Duration – July 2026 – March 2027
Weekly 2-hour creative and practical group sessions, alongside one-to-one coaching sessions.
What is Rise2Thrive Trailblazer?
RISE2Thrive Trailblazer at Rural Arts is a fully funded creative employability programme for adults across North Yorkshire who are currently out of work and looking for a positive next step.
- Through a combination of creative workshops, one-to-one coaching, practical learning and personalised support, Rise2Thrive helps you rediscover your strengths, build confidence and explore opportunities at a pace
- Whatever your background, we’re here to help you move forward and find new confidence in your abilities.
- By the end of our time together, we hope you’ll feel ready to take the next step, whether that’s work, self-employment, further training or something else.
- Whatever your next step is, Rise2Thrive Trailblazer can hep you find your route forward.
Why join?
- Discover your strengths – recognise the skills, knowledge and experiences you already have.
- Build confidence – develop self-belief in a supportive and welcoming environment.
- Explore creativity – experiment with different creative approaches, regardless of experience.
- Connect with others – meet people with shared experiences and build supportive relationships.
- Explore further opportunities – learn about training, volunteering, education and employment pathways.
- Leave a lasting legacy – contribute to a shared project celebrating journeys of growth, resilience and possibility.
What to expect?
Creative exploration
Take part in a range of creative activities that may include:
- visual arts
- digital creativity
- photography
- creative writing
- mapping and illustration
- audio storytelling
- collaborative project
- community exploration
Activities will evolve with the interests, ideas and experience.
Personal support
You’ll also have access to:
- one-to-one coaching
- confidence-building support
- goal setting
- information, advice and guidance
- skills and strengths identification
- progression planning
- signposting to additional support where needed
Creative & practical workshops
Once a week, join a welcoming, relaxed group session to try something new, meet others, and build confidence at your own pace.
Explore a mix of creative and practical activities, including hands-on creative sessions, mapping, illustration photography, nature-based workshops, creative writing, storytelling and much more.
There will also be opportunities to develop everyday digital and life skills through supportive, informal sessions designed to help you move forward personally and professionally.
All run by friendly, skilled team – no experience needed
Create something that matters
Together, participants will create a unique art piece exploring journeys through challenge, change and growth.
The finished piece will be celebrated at a public showcase and will continue to be shared through community venues across North Yorkshire, helping others discover opportunities, confidence and routes forward.
What will I have access to?
- Creative wellbeing activities and outdoor experiences
- Support with confidence-building, communication and goal setting
- Guidance around future opportunities, learning and employment
- Practical workshops to help you feel more prepared for interviews and next steps
- Access to digital learning tools and resources during the programme and beyond
What will I gain?
Everyone’s journey is different, but here’s what past participants have taken away:
- A renewed sense of purpose and confidence
- New creative and practical skills
- Stronger communication skills
- Increased motivation and wellbeing
- New social connections
- Clearer goals and direction
- Improved understanding of local opportunities
- Pathways into volunteering, learning, self-employment and employment
Who can join?
You can join RISE2Thrive if you:
- Are 18+ age
- Live in North Yorkshire
- Are not in employment
- Are not actively job-seeking via Jobcentre Plus
Still not sure if this is for you? Reach out. We’re here and happy to help if you need additional information or help with decision making.
You don’t need to know where you’re going next. You just need to be willing to explore possibilities.
When does the course run?
July 2026 – March 2027
Location, location, location
Most of our sessions are held at our studio at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS.
Occasionally we’ll hold activities at other local venues.
Ready to start your journey?
Get in touch for an informal chat. There’s ZERO pressure, just a support to help you rise and thrive.
Email ines@ruralarts.org
Call 01845 526536
Or sign up now by clicking a link below.
Ready to Rise?
RISE2Thrive has been running since 2017, when it was known as Action Towards Inclusion, or ATI. Rural Arts is one of a network of accredited delivery partners. This means that, once you’re part of the programme, we can give you access to free support with things like preparing for interviews, managing debt and becoming self-employed.
