Phoenix Health and Wellbeing: Bringing a remote team together through creativity

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing is a Leeds-based charity offering counselling, massage therapy, and wellbeing support. Their team includes a mix of therapists, counsellors, and office staff – many of whom rarely get to be in the same room. That’s where we came in.

The challenge

Like many modern teams, Phoenix were struggling with being in the same place at the same time. Their staff were like ships in the night – occasionally crossing paths but rarely connecting. Chief Exec Zoe Rickinson wanted to bring everyone together in a way that felt social, light-hearted, and just a bit different. Something that would get people talking, bonding, and stepping out of their comfort zones.

Our approach

We designed a Creative Workshop for 12 members of the Phoenix team. Nobody knew what to expect – which was part of the fun. We set up two still-life tables and split the group into two teams of six, rotating them between stations and media.

They started by experimenting with pencil, charcoal, coloured pencils, and pastels. After trying each medium, everyone created their own final piece based on something they'd drawn (or something entirely made up – their call). These were mounted in frames to take home or display.

As always, the frame worked its magic. Even the most self-critical team members lit up when they saw their work professionally presented.

The result

In two hours, we went from "I'm not creative" to a room full of proud artists. The space buzzed with laughter, surprise, and that rare kind of connection you only get when people are truly in the moment. Feedback on the day was fantastic. Everyone left with a smile, a framed piece of art, and a bit more appreciation for each other.