Karen worked with Young Parents Program (YPP) with the “Healthy Relationships Workshops” as part of the team that created a journal. Her role was to help develop, create and produce the journal. The journal contains inspirational messages and images about healthy and unhealthy relationships, all designed and created during the 8 workshops.
This was my first time working alongside an art worker and Karen made it a highly pleasurable experience. Karen was respectful, encouraging, patient and kind towards the young women and workers. She was able to support and develop the participant’s confidence in their ability to produce a wonderful journal resource full of images and messages to motivate and encourage healthy relationships.
Karen was very adaptable and always remained calm and patient whilst working with us. There were occasions when the workshop schedule had to change due to unforeseen circumstances at little or no notice as well as the workshops themselves often being a little chaotic with the participants, children and babies present. It was very important that the young women felt safe and respected during the workshops and Karen’s calm and gentle manner contributed to the feeling of safety we wanted for the young women and children. Karen was able to provide support and encouragement about healthy and unhealthy relationships to the young women.
I would happily work again with Karen Batten and Human Ventures if the opportunity arises. The images and messages created where perfect and it was a delight to work with Karen. Written by Lucy Pearce, YPP Project Worker. To view the journal