CHLOE'S CREATIVE CAVE
Why is the elephant so significant for us?
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?
Our 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.
Testimonial
"It's Amazing we were supported to chase our dreams!"
"I learned how to put my art on a t-shirt!"
Testimonial
"Unbelievable, helpful and good advice. I loved your performance as It was from the heart.
"You've given me the confidence to try it"
Testimonial
"I loved the art and tee-shirt workshop"
"Its really good the tutor was informative and kind. I wish it lasted longer"
Testimonial
"I really appreciate this event, it has really helped me. I'm glad that there was a safe space for me to go and thank you for giving me a buddy for the night I wouldn't have been able to cope without support"
Testimonial
"The boys loved the event, thank you for the invite it was lovely" "heartwarming experience I got overwhelmed by the kindness"
Testimonial
"I loved it? It was a very wholesome way to experience Christmas Eve"
"Really love what you are building, we need this in Belfast"
An Artist's story from a Cave Man
Hello. My name is Andy. I’m thirty years old and I come from the Shankill Road. For years now I have had a heart for young people and communities who may not have such stable foundations at home. Whether I have been working in schools or youth clubs, it’s been my number one focus to provide a safe space for young people to chat as deeply or as little as they like. I am especially passionate about how creative writing can benefit people who may be experiencing trauma, whether they know they are in trauma or not.
I find all creative writing beneficial, whether it be rap music or poetry. I feel strongly that although in schools there is access for people to learn to play instruments (which I’m also all for and play myself) I truly believe they miss a greater opportunity to encourage young people to express themselves freely in their writing. Not everyone is a painter, or a “Musician” but people are gifted in ways they don’t even know themselves.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with a friend of mine in her business C3 Cave. I took a workshop for Chloe in a Youth Action event to show young people how to create hip hop music and encourage them to write if it’s something they even have the slightest interest in. I also performed a rap for them based on the inner child theory, where the adult addresses the inner child then the inner child responds. The young people of this workshop responded in the most beautiful way. I know in my whole heart that this is something massively lacking that would do wonders for young people and vulnerable adults.
C3 Cave offers many things, and when it comes to these workshops it excites me that you may be the next individual or company we work with. C3Cave offers all the creative workshops to help nurture their gifts and future selves in a safe supportive community. I don’t believe there is anything else even close to what we offer at C3Cave and we sincerely look forward to meeting you soon.
Meet A Few Creative Community Cave Workshop Collaborators And See Their Work !
Contact C3Cave to volunteer or collaborate with your creative skills! Whether you're into Painting, Pottery, Dance, Poetry, Music, Writing or anything else we would love to have you with us!
Chloe's Story..
My name is Chloe and I'm from Belfast. My passion for helping people and the community stems from my upbringing. I grew up in and out of the care system. I lived out addiction and abuse throughout the years but in 2020 I had an encounter with Jesus. I heard the gospel on a YouTube video while sitting on my bed in the early hours of the morning. The message the man spoke was that God came down to this earth from his throne in the form of man (who did not sin his entire human life) to pay my penalty on the cross for my sin. He rose from the grave 3 days later and conquered death. Due to his holiness, his perfect blood paid the debt of all the wrong things I've ever done and he did this just because he loved me and wanted a relationship with me. (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23).
The man said that God has done this deed for the whole world knowing that they could never earn their way to him because their good deeds are like black rags to him (Isaiah 64:6) but yet he still loved me and made a way for me to be with him. I never knew what love felt like until that moment. It was overwhelming. It felt like that man was directly speaking to me the whole time especially when he stated 'If God left heaven to suffer in this way for you and all the bad things you've done, What do you think he is going to do to you when he returns for judgement and you've rejected him and his love?'. Instantly the fear of God came upon me and my eyes were opened to my life and all the things I had done. I believed at that moment. I felt the love and fear of God but at the same time, I knew I was cared for. It was kind of like the fear you get when you steal something as a kid and an adult catches you. It's the fear that prevents you from doing it again. I knew that God was there and I knew if I rejected him in that moment I would regret it. I prayed to God "God I've nothing else to live for and I want to live for you". 4 years ago I had this encounter with Jesus and since then my life transformed. I'm sober now, not by my strength but by God's. I haven't had sleep paralysis and I was able to eat and put on weight. I Threw out all my tarots and changed my environment and the people I surrounded myself with. I discovered community through volunteering with Storehouse, a community-focused charity in the centre of Belfast for the homeless.
I've seen the benefits of community work and youth work and I fell in love with it. I have seen the benefits of creativity in the community and how it helps people to heal, build relationships, friendships, and trust. I learned how having a good community can help aid a sense of self, dignity, self-worth and significance. Although many communities exist not all communities are healthy for individuals to grow and feel supported and loved. I want to show care and love towards others the way Christ cares and loves me. I'm not perfect and I still make mistakes so I need to trust in him and his perfection.
Chloe's Creative Cave is faith-based but we are not here to force religious beliefs on anybody. We are all-inclusive and we welcome all diversities and religions without judgments! The workshops at Project C3Cave are about building community and creating a safe and nurturing environment for every individual no matter Your faith or background to grow through art.
I hope all the best for you and if you have made it this far thank you so much for reading my story. All the best mucker.
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