Founded in 2021, Crafting Connections CIC was established to support people to engage in arts and crafts activities to reduce loneliness and to improve self-confidence, mental health and wellbeing. In January 2024, we opened Lambton Community Hub, a community venue based in a former resident's hall in Lambton Village Centre, Washington. From Lambton Community Hub we deliver a range of arts and crafts classes, exercise classes, baby and toddler groups, a community cafe and a weekly free lunch club.
Our arts and crafts sessions are tailored according to the abilities and interests of the communities we support and cover a wide range of engaging activities. This includes crafts like crochet, weaving, papercrafts, drawing, painting and model-making. Our sessions focus on social interaction and network-building whilst we are creating, allowing an informal way for people to get out of their houses and to become more involved in their local community. Our Baby and Toddler groups provide a safe, warm space for little ones and their parents/ carers to play and relax together, providing opportunities for friendship and support network creation. We have a range of exercise classes at different levels, to encourage people with all levels of mobility and fitness to join in. Our community cafe is open 3 days per week and offers breakfast/ light lunch options at affordable prices. Once weekly, we have a free lunch club for local residents to get a hot 2-course meal.