The research

In 2022/23, Roots to Change facilitated a research study that examined factors enabling violence against women and girls. Over 150 people participated through an online survey, focus groups and workshops.

The study highlighted the need for a reshape in how we tackle factors driving harmful behaviour and impacting community cohesion. It called on communities and organisations to create more opportunities for people to come together on shared goals and to strengthen relationships. It also emphasised the need to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of children and to support them in reaching their full potential, not limited by harmful stereotypes.

The programme

In response, Roots to Change co-designed The Big Reshape.

The Big Reshape is a community-led programme that aims to inspire positive action towards building a world where everyone feels safe, valued and celebrated.

The first step to creating a better world is to imagine it.

Since July 2023, we have invited over 500 children and adults to do just that and create art that brings their imagination to life. We have been showcasing this artwork in libraries and other public spaces across Ealing, Wandsworth and Westminster. To date, we have curated 19 exhibitions.

In July 2025, we hosted a pop-up featuring 186 pieces of children’s artwork at Paddington Library. This was in partnership with Westminster Children’s University and five partner schools. Check out the book of this artwork here!

What we noticed was that particularly children’s responses to the brief clearly showed that many link safety with the environment and nature. This is not surprising given that we know climate change is just one of the many issues young people are worried about.

New approach

In 2026, we changed the approach slightly and moved away towards creating art from recycled materials.

Many local businesses and friends have been helping us to collect cardboard, magazines and newspapers! We have also been encouraging the children to collect their own too!

Between January and June 2026, we ran a series of art workshops at Falconbrook and Shaftesbury Park schools in Battersea then at Fircroft Primary School in Tooting.

Using a mix of papier-mâché and collage, the Year 4 and 5 children were guided to create boards.

We also explored what we will do and what we want others to do to make the world a kinder place.

We displayed the first lot of artwork and reflections at Battersea and Battersea Park libraires and Battersea Arts Centre. Check out the artwork in this lovely book here.

Tooting Library then Team Lewis at Battersea Power Station hosted the second lot in July and August 2026. We are working on that book. 🙂

What’s next

From September 2026, we will continue our partnership with Westminster Children’s University and their partner primary schools in Westminster. Additionally, we will continue to collaborate with primary schools in Wandsworth

How you can support

• Champion the programme and help spread the word 🌍
• Add your messages of hope 🖌
• Make a pledge to do something amazing 🪧
• Make a small donation to the programme by clicking the button below📱