Our community programmes
The Big Reshape towards equality
The Big Reshape (towards equality) is a community-led programme, facilitated by Roots to Change CIC that aims to influence positive change towards building a fairer and more equal borough where women and girls can live free from harm.
It was designed in response to findings from a research study that Roots to Change facilitated and in which over 150 people participated that pointed to the need for a reshape in how we address violence directed at women and girls.
A need for a reshape in... our understanding of this issue, how we talk about it, the norms that condone it and the systems that support it, our ideas and expectations, how people of all genders are portrayed in the media, and relations between people.
The full 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.
The Big Reshape (towards equality) programme includes:
– Developing exhibitions of community artwork and using these exhibition spaces as a platform for building awareness, and bringing people together in different ways to engage in constructive dialogue around this issue
– Series of learning events across the borough
– Developing resources to support learning and discussion around this issue
– Working with organisations to help them to play their important role in addressing sexism and misogyny and other forms of prejudice
We are partnering with Seduced by Art to run a series of art workshops. Participants are invited to paint their vision for a fairer, more equal and safer borough. With permission, this artwork, together with highlights from the research, suggestions on what we could do individually or collectively is being exhibited across Wandsworth over the next 12 months. 
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 2024 – Balham Library
6 March to 13 March 2024 – Marble Hall, Wandsworth Borough Council
Current and upcoming installations:
8 April to 5 May 2024 – Tooting Library
3 to 29 June 2024 – Battersea Arts Centre
31 August to 28 September 2024 – Northcote Library
3 to 30 November 2024 – Putney Library
Keep an eye out for upcoming events here.
| What people have to say about The Big Reshape exhibition and programme….. “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 from The National Lottery Community Fund. The following organisations part funded the research study that informed this programme:
 |  |  |