Story Time - The Learned Helplessness 

A man visits an elephant camp in Africa and notices that all the elephants are tied by their legs with small ropes. Despite their immense strength, the elephants do not attempt to break free. This peculiar sight is explained by their upbringing. As young elephants, they were tied with the same ropes, which they were too weak to break. As they grew into powerful adults, they were conditioned to believe that the small ropes still had the power to restrain them.

This story of learned helplessness resonates deeply with many living in Belfast. It reflects the mental barriers that people may face due to various societal issues. Whether it's politics, family dynamics, relationships, homelessness, isolation, struggles with mental health or mental illness, growing up in a dysfunctional household, not feeling loved at a young age and more... These constraints can keep individuals focused on the worst parts of themselves, leaving them stagnant. The story of the elephant illustrates a mental struggle where the body has grown, but the mind remains trapped in old beliefs of inadequacy. Does this story resonate with you?

Project C3CAVE Logo and Mission 

At project C3Cave, our logo features an elephant walking freely, symbolizing the breaking of these mental chains. We aim to use creativity as a tool to build a community hub with a relational approach where people feel safe to grow, face their challenges, become resilient, and learn both creative and life skills. We hope to nurture personal and social development, fostering a sense of freedom and community spirit. By joining us, individuals can make friends, participate in group meet-ups, build confidence, enjoy life's challenges, and ultimately find a sense of freedom. We believe in showing love and kindness to a city that may be starved of it.  If your elephant has been tied up it's time to free your walk. Let's grow and be creative together.

How the story aligns with our mission

• Empowerment - Just as the elephants can break free from the ropes, C3Cave aims to empower individuals to overcome their own mental and emotional barriers through creative expression
• strength and resilience - The elephant symbolizes strength and resilience, qualities that C3Cave encourages in their participants through supportive and therapeutic art workshops delivered by skilled artists 
• challenging beliefs - The story highlights the importance of challenging limiting beliefs. C3Cave provides a safe space where individuals can explore their potential and realize that they are capable of much more than they might have believed.
• community support  - Much like elephants thrive in social groups, C3Cave fosters a sense of community, helping individuals support each other in their journeys of personal growth and mental well-being

Our Principles 

• Inclusive- We strive to create a welcoming environment for everybody regardless of age, background or skill level
• Community - Building a strong sense of community is central to our mission. Bringing people together through creative activities.
• Mental well-being - Prioritizing mental health, using art as a therapeutic tool  to support emotional and psychological well-being
• Growth - We are committed to shining a light on the potential of every individual we work with and encourage personal and professional growth
• Creativity - Encouraging self-expression and artistic exploration