What helps you cope when life is hard? A live drawing session with Dr Ozzy Ogbeide

What’s on offer?

Join us for a fun and relaxed 30-minute online Zoom drawing session where we'll explore the things and people that help us get through tough times. Whether it's a supportive friend, a favourite place, a pet, or a daily routine that keeps you going, we'll guide you in drawing these "resilience systems" that surround you. No drawing skills are needed—just come with an open mind and a willingness to reflect on what helps you to be strong when life gets hard. This is a great chance to get creative and connect with others who are also finding strength in their own unique ways.

What’s it about?

Our live online drawing event will focus on the concept of resilience—specifically, the systems and elements in our lives that help us navigate challenges and thrive in and after adversity. We’ll delve into the everyday support systems, both tangible and intangible, that contribute to our resilience pathways. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and visually represent the people, places, routines, or objects that provide them with strength and stability during difficult times.

Key Questions and Issues:

What are the key elements in your life that help you cope when things get tough?

How do these elements interact to form a resilience system that supports you?

What role do community, relationships, and environment play in your personal resilience?

How can visualizing these systems enhance your understanding and appreciation of the support you have?

Benefits of Attending:

Engage in a reflective and creative process that helps you identify and appreciate your resilience sources.

Gain insights into how various aspects of your life contribute to your ability to overcome challenges.

Connect with others in a shared experience, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

No prior drawing experience is required—this session is about expression and exploration, not artistic skill.

What to Expect:

A relaxed and welcoming environment where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings through drawing.

Guided prompts to help you identify and visualize the systems that support you.

Who’s leading the event?

The event will be lead by:

Artist: Dr Osarenkhoe Ogbeide (New Africa Comics, and Junior Research Fellow, Churchill College, University of Cambridge)

Speaker: Dr Di Levine (University of Leicester)

Insights from: Prof Linda Theron (University of Pretoria); Prof Sadiyya Haffejee (University of Johannesburg)

Open to

This event is open to all.

Of particular interest to

This event will be of particular interest to anyone of any age who is interested in resilience and resilience systems, including those who despise the word ‘resilience’ and would like to think about it from a different perspective that does not involve taking personal responsibility for every type of growth and anyone who enjoys creative ways of expressing their thoughts and perspectives.