Isolation can affect anyone, whether employed or unemployed, young or old, alone or with family. That’s why L'Atelier 17.91 aims to reach everyone by offering unconditional support.
“We wanted to carry out eco-responsible actions to combat this isolation,” explains Gaëlle Courson. “Because we live in a society and an era that has greatly favored digital technology, social networks, and computers. We are now realizing the negative side, which is that it isolates us even more. So returning to the recreational Wednesdays of the past, to simple things, and especially to the skills of our hands, allows us to regain self-confidence, reconnect with artistry, and manual creation, which are always present.”
The workshops are conducted in groups of 12 people, thus fostering connections.
Workshops focus on well-being for mental health, taking care of oneself, one’s body, and mind, with sophrology, meditation, writing, as well as creation, allowing participants to make scrubs, creams, household products, using essentials from the kitchen and bathroom, with the aim of not having to buy additional items. Similarly, the workshops will enable textile upcycling, so it’s not purely sewing, but rather taking things we already have at home and customizing, reworking, transforming, and adapting them.
L'Atelier 17.91 also offers the opportunity to create one’s own jewelry, home decorations, engraving on utensils or bookmarks, depending on needs.
And after? Participants can simply take the items home, gift them, either through the association or to their loved ones, because these items are useful to them and because they take pride in them. Some may wish to go further and turn this into a profession. They can be directed to partners and thus leverage their skills and interests.
“I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference,” marvels Gaëlle Courson. “We try to bring people together, to offer activities that appeal. Everyone comes with their little contribution. We coordinate in the end, but everyone has as much power, whether it’s someone from management or a volunteer giving their time.”
