Regret, hope, danger, laughter.

Written out in glitter, paint and feathers, these words are among those used by women making a living on the streets of Bradford, to design bags that will later be sold.

They have drawn on their life experiences to create the designs, in an innovative project that is giving working women the opportunity to get involved in something they have never done before, and which will inspire them.

Run by Bradford District Care Trust Working Women’s Service, Bagz of Inspiration – part of a project called Exciting Futures – gives the women the chance to create a ‘mood bag’, one side of which is covered with six designs based on their thoughts and feelings, and the other emblazoned with words to stir emotion. Evocative words – ‘sad’, ‘hopeful’, ‘love’ and ‘smile’ sit alongside hearts, stars, flowers and shells.

Attendance at the creative workshops – which began in December – is growing, with more than 20 now taking part, many on a regular basis.

“They provide an opportunity for the women to be creative, be safe, try something new and keep an interest in the project from design to sale,” says Adele Geddes, the Bagz of Inspiration team leader at Bradford District Care Trust.

“We can’t get over the response we’ve had from the women. It has been fantastic, they’re so excited.”

Once the final design has been selected, the bags will go on sale and help to support the future work of the service which helps women working in the sex industry across Bradford and Airedale to recover and follow routes into a different life.

“Money raised could be used as payment for a particular training course or a bond for a tenancy,” says Michelle Khan, team leader at the Working Women’s Service.

“It could be used for an item of clothing to wear for a job or an interview.”

The service provides a safe environment where women can access essentials they may need, such as food, shelter, warmth, clothing, personal hygiene facilities and a range of safe-sex products.

Jools Connoll, who provides emotional support at the workshops, says: “This project is having a positive impact on the women. We’ve seen changes in moods and some have found a passion for art.”

Comments made by the women have been positive. “It is brilliant – it occupies my mind,” says one. “I feel fantastic and relaxed,” another comments, while another loves the workshops because “I come in a bad mood and go home happy.”

The sessions build on the work already carried out at the service which includes discussing personal safety, sexual health, nutrition, budgeting and anything relating to the women, their recovery plans and planning for the future.

Says Adele: “This project is aimed towards keeping the women safe and off the streets, inspiring them to change their lives and make a little money to improve their lives.”

The workshops used to be held weekly, but were so popular that the women asked for them to be opened up throughout the week. Some have even asked to take work home. Those involved will choose the final design that will be printed onto the organic cotton bags.

Says Michelle: “We will have a number of bags for sale initially and when they are sold we hope to create more so that all the women will be able to get their design onto them.”

The sessions are also benefiting the women socially. “Some attend regularly while others like to be able to dip in and out of it. I’ve been really surprised at the level of peer support which is offered when the women meet. Just last week one woman was giving another advice on moving away from a violent partner. It is fantastic to witness.”

One woman has taken on the role of representative for the project, attending meetings and discussions about its development and about the work of the service.

“It has boosted her confidence, and that is what we want to build on for all the women,” says Michelle.

The team is looking for local businesses to support the project – which has its official launch next week – and would love local shops and supermarkets to stock the bags to raise funds for the service.

“They are so proud, and are getting really excited about getting the bags into shops,” adds Michelle. “The project has been so empowering.”

Anyone interested in stocking the bags should e-mail bagz ofinspiration@bdct.nhs.uk.