The Big Reshape

The Big Reshape

Roots to Change facilitated a research study in 2023 that examined factors contributing to and enabling violence against women and girls in Wandsworth and what could be done about it. We embarked on this research because – as are all women- our founder is affected by this issue, is interested in the subject and felt frustrated that we don’t seem to be advancing on this issue in the way that we should be. We did the research in Wandsworth because that is where our founder lives and where Roots to Change is based.

Over 150 people with close ties to Wandsworth and representing diverse backgrounds and experiences participated through a survey, focus groups and workshops. The study pointed to a need for a reshape in how we tackle inequalities and other factors driving harmful behaviour and negatively impacting community cohesion.

Amongst other things, it highlighted the need for strengthened relationships between different groups of people and for more opportunities for people to come together on common goals, to foster understanding, promote empathy and drive positive change. It also highlighted the need to focus on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, supporting them to build resilience and to be the best they can be, not constrained by harmful stereotypes.

In response and with input from various members of the community, Roots to Change co-designed The Big Reshape, a community-led programme that aims to inspire hope and influence positive action towards building a kinder, cleaner and fairer world where everyone feels safe and equally valued. Roots to Change remains the lead partner.

As part of The Big Reshape, we have been inviting people representing a range of ages, genders and backgrounds to come together and paint their vision for a world where people feel safe and are kinder to each other to try to encourage optimism that we can help make our world a better place. The first collection 2023/24 had over 90 pieces. The 2024/25 collection has over 50 so far (and growing!).

This project has helped bring into focus a bigger picture of safety, including but not limited to interpersonal safety; community support and connection; and living in harmony with the natural world.

We have been exhibiting this beautiful community artwork in libraries and other public spaces in Wandsworth together with ideas on some of the things we could do to look after ourselves, others and the environment. We have also been using these exhibition spaces as the backdrop of a series of events to support learning, foster positive discussion and promote mental health and wellbeing.

Installations so far have included:
17 July to 6 September 2023 – Suzette’s Café, Battersea
9 to 28 October 2023 – Roehampton Library
20 November to 12 December 2023 – Battersea Library

27 January to 17 February 2024Balham Library
6 March to 13 March 2024Marble Hall, Wandsworth Borough Council

8 April to 5 May 2024Tooting Library
3 to 29 June 2024Battersea Arts Centre
3 to 28 September 2024 – Northcote Library
1 to 30 November 2024Putney Library
6 to 23 February 2025 – Suzettes Café, Battersea

Current and upcoming installations:
3 to 30 March 2025 – Battersea Library
1 to 30 May 2025 – Battersea Arts Centre
1 to 28 June 2025 – Tooting Library


Keep an eye out for upcoming events here.

The full research report can be accessed here. The summary of the report can be accessed here. Thanks to Wandsworth Council SEND Participation Team, you can also access the Easy Read version here.

What people have to say about The Big Reshape exhibition and programme…..
“Impressive and enlightening”

“Pretty amazing artwork. Good luck in all you do”

“Lovely work, Polly”

“Beautiful artwork- well done to all the artists! Very informative too, and a nice touch at the library.” Tooting resident.

“Amazing junior and senior art. Inspiring!! A joy to the eye!!” From your amazed fan Finn, Year 4

“Excellent, I can not explain how good. (Seriously) I love it!” Grace, Year 2

“Really, really, really, really like it” Emmanuel, aged 6. I like it 🙂

“Great! So fantastic”

“Very interesting and inspiring. Next year — more art works and more stands, please!!!”

“The beautiful variety of artwork and the diversity of the makers”

“I think the exhibition about safety for women and girls is absolutely brilliant. We all have something personal to say about it and it’s important to give a voice to all- including men (to raise awareness). I am a woman, aged 38 and I have a son aged 10. We talk about this topic a lot because I know education is crucial in changing mindsets/ behaviours. Well done for doing this!!”

“Lovely exhibition, well done to all. Sahar Beg’s heart has a lovely delicate texture, fluffy red strokes.”

“I think the exhibition is very good and think that it is wonderful that you have made people aware that women have the right to be safe. Have enjoyed the artwork so much.”

“We need to make abuse of any form unacceptable behaviour throughout the world.”

“The Big Reshape is a very worthy cause.”

“Great art and wise words. Thank you Caroline”

“What a beautiful gem of an exhibition! What a treat for my eyes! The passion of each and every artist shines through. You are all beautiful creatives! Nicely done!”

“I like the picture. there butiful!” Nayla, 6 years old

“We visited your exhibition at Balham Library yesterday evening. We were very struck by the thought-provoking artworks and the range of styles and (presumably) ages of the artists. The written aims and targets should make people think much more carefully about the issues raised.”

“I liked the variety of the exhibits and the fact that they were all telling messages.”

“I would just like to add my admiration for the participants in the art project.”
What people have to say about the research …..

“What a thoughtful piece, demonstrating how much must be done to make girls and women safe.”  

“I am truly in awe of the dedication and energy you have put into this. Violence against women and girls is not an easy subject to tackle, and you have taken on this difficult topic with care, compassion, and thoughtfulness. I am confident that your report will be a valuable resource for all those who seek to understand and address this critical issue.”  

“I think it is very user friendly and has enough bite in the information to make it relevant, without drowning everyone in the theory.”  

“It is an absolutely fantastic report, and the data is really insightful.”  

“Well done you! An outstanding achievement!”  

“Amazing what you have accomplished and overall I find it excellent and well structured.”  

“I was seriously impressed. It feels as if it could do with a much wider application – not just London.”  

“Very educational and thought provoking. I hope the agenda for change is picked up by the Council and other stakeholders. It’s such a valuable piece of work.”  

“Not only have you presented the problem, but you have also mapped clear solutions.”  

“I have now read your very impressive report. It really is very good. I hope you’re getting a bit more traction with various audiences who should be reading it.”  

“I’ve read your report from cover to cover. Very educational and thought provoking. I hope the agenda for change is picked up by the council and other stakeholders. It is such a valuable piece of work.”  

“It is an amazing project and the report covers a lot. The language of the report is broken down into very accessible language which makes it such an easy read.”  

“The meeting was extremely powerful. Sitting with a group of women survivors and empowering each other to come up with ideas on how to pass on knowledge and experience and the tools that is essential to the young women and girls growing up in this society. Also the education that is needed for our young men and boys. We need to put the plans into action. Well done Polly excellent report.”  

“I feel Wandsworth Borough Council needs to use this research and its findings to develop a holistic and cohesive strategy that will lead to a reduction and prevention of violence against women and girls. This outcome is part of everything that happens in society and must be considered strategically.

This means reviewing all policies and seeing if they meet this goal just as we should be looking at all policies through the lens of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions etc. And ensure that other existing policies like the proposals for enhancing the night-time economy are incorporated. Wandsworth can lead the way and become an example to other parts of London and beyond.”

Roots to Change funds the majority of The Big Reshape with some support previously from The National Lottery Community Fund. The following organisations part funded the research study that informed this programme: