Fréa Renewing Roots Community Group Clay Making Session 2

This blog series follows the journey of a survivor support group made up of men and women who were either born in or gave birth in Ireland’s Mother and Baby and County Home institutions and now live across the north of England. Some are first-generation survivors supporting their loved ones and trying to make sense of their own stories. We meet once a month across the north of England, creating a safe and welcoming space for connection, reflection, and sometimes just a good bit of craic.

The purpose of this series is to gently share the spirit of the group – the laughter, the moments of reflection, and the creative ways we’re supporting one another. We hope that by sharing some of this journey, others will feel less alone and might be encouraged to reach out, whether they’re seeking support for themselves or for someone they care about.

No personal stories or identifying details are shared without clear permission. The focus is on the collective experience and the power of coming together, after years – sometimes decades – of silence and isolation. 

Clay making, finding peace

Our third gathering took place in the LCVS building in the heart of Liverpool. We were joined again by Olivia Rowan, ceramic artist and finalist from The Great Pottery Throw Down. Olivia was on hand not only to guide and advise people in creating their own individual designs, but also to offer calm, patient encouragement throughout the session.

We continued to work on individual pieces of art which, when fitted together, will form the Fréa logo. Each person shaped and painted their own unique piece, contributing to a larger design that represents something shared and meaningful.

Clay and stencils were handed out to help shape the tiles so that they would fit together. Some of the participants had experience from the previous group. Others were novices and had never worked with clay before. There was sometimes concern – “Is this right?” – but Olivia was on hand to reassure people: there was no right or wrong way to do this. What mattered most was how each person approached it, in their own way.

There was something quietly powerful in the idea that these separate pieces – made by different hands – would eventually come together to form one unified design. A reminder, perhaps, that our individual stories, shaped by different paths, still belong side by side.

As we sat working with unfamiliar tools, there was chatter: about life, about coming to England, finding work and friendship. There was talk about the institutions. Peers shared experiences when they wanted to, when they felt ready. Others listened. Sometimes the room was quiet as people diligently worked on their own creations.

Music played softly in the background – Johnny Cash, Paddy Reilly, The Dubliners and even Daniel O’Donnell. The atmosphere was relaxed, familiar, and comforting.

As the session drew to a close, people looked at their own work – their own creations – colourful and vibrant. From grey, shapeless lumps of clay came individual pieces of art – all different, all valid, all valuable.

Lunch became a time for reflection and appreciation of each other’s work.

“Oh, I like the colours on that.”
“That is absolutely lovely.”

There was more chat, and then each person put the finishing touches to their design.

Once completed, the pieces were gathered together so that they could be glazed and fired. The work isn’t finished – it’s in progress. Just like us. Ready to move on to the next stage.

As people got themselves together, there were smiles – a day out in relaxed company. People had challenged themselves to do something they had little or no experience in, to show the skills and the capabilities that they have. And each one succeeded in producing something beautifully unique.

Each month we meet, and each time the group grows in new ways. People find new bonds of friendship, make new connections. There are different personalities and different dynamics, but what’s clear is this: people return because they feel safe, seen, and part of something. 

If you’re reading this and wondering whether this group is for you – whether you’d fit in, whether it’s the right time – just know this: You’ll be met with warmth, understanding, and maybe even a bit of laughter. You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to explain. Just come as you are. We’ll be here.

If you’d like to learn more about the group or how to get involved, please get in touch.

You can reach us via email at renewingroots@frea.org.uk or call one of the team:

Patrick: 07432 138 682
Natalie: 07849 835 841
Ciaran: 07732 901 782