Hi 🙂
I’ve been an Access Support Worker since 2023, helping people across all art forms to do things like:
✨ make applications
✨ note-take during meetings and calls
✨ edit websites / socials
✨ tackle random admin tasks, like fielding emails or making that annoying phone call.
Whether you’re looking for support long-term or short term for making a one-off application, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to chat about whether I’m a good fit for you.
Alongside my practice I work freelance as an access support worker, aiding other creatives in their day-to-day activities.
My Approach
Availability
I’m a freelance, neurodivergent, single parent artist – I know life’s not always 9-5 for people in the creative field. I manage flexible working hours so that I’m contactable when it suits you. Deadlines don’t wait!
Flexibility
When it comes to living with disabilities we’re all entirely unique, so there’s no ‘one-size’ approach to support.
Process
We start by having a call (or email/text or face-to-face) to chat about your needs. I’ll ask things like:
🌞 tell me about yourself!
🌞 what’s the project?
🌞 what do you most need support on?
🌞 is there any other part of the process/application/project you’re worried about tackling?
🌞 if we’re working remotely, what are the web tools you like to work with, and how do you best like to communicate?
We use this conversation as a framework for moving forward, and we can always stay adaptable along the way.
I’ve helped people apply for all sorts of applications, whether open calls or funding opportunities.
Background Image: Acontius by Jojo
How I Can Help You
I provide personalised support services to meet the unique needs of each person, whether remotely or face-to-face.
My flexible approach ensures that you receive the assistance that aligns with your specific requirements and working style, allowing you to work in a way that is most comfortable and productive for you.
I’m most often contacted about one-off applications. But I also work with people for longer-term support, where I am here to help with things like:
- Managing tasks that are challenging or lumbersome
- Navigating digital spaces (eg. Grantium, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix)
- Updating/managing websites and socials
- Supporting and advocating in meetings, should you have difficulty getting your needs or negotiations across
- Writing, proofreading, editing
- Helping to manage admin tasks
- Keeping track of tasks and to-dos
- Someone to bounce ideas off of, helping to build strong events/workshops/projects
- Helping to build networks
- Check-ins
- Information gathering
- Creating ‘how to’ documents for navigating uncertain tasks
- Support in workshops/event
Background image: Verdancy by Ruth Bateman
ACE Grants: DYCP, Project Grant, R&D fund
Need clarity on how to make a great application? Want someone to bounce ideas off of or help shape your ideas into a succinct plan? Struggle with digital platforms?
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, suffering from health conditions or other barriers to access, Arts Council England (ACE) offers funding for a support worker to help you make your DYCP or Project Grant application, which means I can help you with your application for ✨absolutely free✨.
Message me to find out how.
Being late-diagnosed ADHD and ASD myself, I’m very familiar with the struggles that come with managing a neurodivergent life. Learning about neurodivergence helped me to understand the shape of my problems and find new ways of managing myself that lean into the way my brain works instead of struggling against it.
Funding Options
Did you know there are funding options available to help cover the cost of an Access Support Worker?
The UK government’s Access to Work Fund provides grants for practical support for people with disabilities or health conditions. This fund can cover the costs of hiring an Access Support Worker, specialised equipment, or other services needed to make your work environment more accessible. This includes self-employed artists.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking for a supportive, flexible, and understanding ASW to help you overcome barriers and reach your creative potential, please reach out. Let’s explore how we can work together to support your practice:
Thaïs Lenkiewicz 