Clackmannanshire's Journey of Healing: Phase 1 Reflections
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns impacted every individual and community in different ways, but a common thread throughout was the shared trauma of uncertainty, isolation, and loss. In Clackmannanshire, this trauma was felt deeply, as families, friends, and neighbours faced not only the threat of illness but also the emotional weight of being apart during one of the most challenging periods in living memory.
Phase 1 of the Remembering Together project in Clackmannanshire has been a vital part of addressing this collective trauma. Through a series of workshops, creative sessions, and community conversations, the project provided a safe space for people to come together, reflect on their experiences, and begin the process of healing.
Trauma is not just an individual experience—it affects communities as a whole. One of the first steps in healing from trauma is acknowledging it. As Judith Herman, a renowned trauma expert, explains: "Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation." The importance of reconnecting after prolonged isolation became clear as people shared their stories, and in doing so, found solidarity and comfort in the experiences of others.
Image from school workshop
The creative outputs from Phase 1 reflected the depth of emotion felt across Clackmannanshire. Participants expressed their grief, hope, and resilience through poetry, music, and art, each piece telling a unique story of the pandemic's impact on their lives. This process of creating together was not just about making art—it was about re-establishing human connections and finding a sense of belonging in a world that felt fractured.
Research has shown that talking about trauma and expressing emotions through creative means can be incredibly therapeutic. As Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, explains: "Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, body, and soul." The creative sessions during Phase 1 allowed participants to externalise and process their feelings, contributing to their personal and collective healing.
By fostering these connections, the Remembering Together project has already played a key role in helping the people of Clackmannanshire begin their journey of healing. While the scars of the pandemic may never fully fade, the community has shown its strength, resilience, and commitment to moving forward together.
Angela Watt - Lead artists Phase 1 and 2