The days are getting shorter and we're still in the middle of a pandemic. As autumn leads into winter, how can we use creativity and conversation to support each other? The windows of Platt Hall are a great place to share messages and ideas. So our next project in the windows is an invitation...

To the residents of Rusholme, Fallowfield and Moss Side

What makes a difference in your day? What do you do that makes you feel good? What advice do you draw on when you need inspiration? And what tips, ideas or messages would you like to share with your neighbours? Send us an example of what works for you, and we'll display it in the windows for all to see. Some ideas to get you going, and instructions on how to do it, below.

What?

• drawings, paintings, prints, collages
• recipes​
• gardening ideas
• photographs
• ​messages
• poems
• care and repair ideas
• local history secrets and stories
• favourite sights around the neighbourhood

How? 
Due to Covid restrictions our preferred method to receive submissions is via email.
Take a picture, write a couple of sentences about what you have sent us and why you think it can encourage others.

Email : meg.parnell@manchester.gov.uk. 
​
The Message to the neighbourhood project will run from November 2020 to January 2021.
Please include your first name, group/organisation name or you can request that your message is anonymous. Let us know what you prefer in your submission email.

The Platt Hall team will review the submission and print out a copy of your work on A3 card along with the sentences to support the message and install them in the appropriate windows.

The project and entries will be recorded and shared via social media with the hashtag #MessageToTheNeighbourhood

The Platt Hall team will install the work. Please no illegal, harmful or offensive content. See our Working Principles for guidance. The windows can't be used for advertising or selling. 

When?
We will put up submissions throughout ​November and December.
The Platt Hall team will take down the work on 6th January.
A digital record of the work and messages will be kept for evaluation purposes.

Thank you for taking part, we look forward to receiving your messages.

Doodling...letting a pen wander over paper - spiral, curve, circle, colour, dot. Clearing my head, helping me think, taking my mind away from things that worry me. This autumn, doodle in the margins."

Repairing and patching this old pair of jeans is is a never-ending task. One day it will be more patch than jean. But there is something lovely about taking care of an object that has taken care of me for a long time. I'm turning them slowly into something new, and practising my sewing skills along the way. So I'd like to suggest looking at things you've had a long time and seeing what new life you might breath into them."

​As the days get shorter and the nights get longer I find it really useful to occupy my time and my hands by making something. I have been plaiting this rug for a while, on and off. I pick it up and put it down depending on my mood and when I find a moment of stillness. It's all about the process for me. Reusing old clothes and material that I already have and over time, turning this into something else.  Most importantly- don't overthink it or worry too much about the end result."