The idea
Our project will create a supportive community in Ashford and rural villages, promoting mental well-being through art and creativity.
Over a year, we’ll address the challenges of shifting seasons, particularly in winter, with an online ten-week creative course encouraging self-expression and connection. Led by a qualified Art Psychotherapist, the initiative will support people facing isolation and mental health struggles, offering weekly sessions.
Further workshops will run throughout the year both on-line & in person, collaborating with local artists and mental health professionals, providing opportunities to experiment with new materials and techniques including an exhibition of peoples work.
Participants (including children) will be inspired to explore, play, creatively connect and establish ongoing groups for continued engagement and support. This initiative aspires to build resilience, enhance mental health, and provide a meaningful creative outlet with community members.
What we'll deliver
- We'll run an on-line 10 week course encouraging people to get creative with whatever they have, from wherever they are.
- We'll start a weekly creative group with people who are isolated and facing mental health challenges
- We'll deliver workshops throughout the year, collaborating with local artists and Art Therapists.
- We'll employ a local person part-time to help manage the project
- We'll create 2 exhibitions of peoples work
- We'll support local artists and small businesses by paying them to facilitate workshop sessions
- We'll work with local people to become volunteers for the project, providing training and support
Why it's a great idea
Many people are struggling, especially in rural areas and we need to reach them. People can't get to us, so we need to get to them on-line and in person! We aren't the experts, the people in our communities are and this is their idea.
We'll improve mental health by providing opportunities for emotional expression/regulation. Art-making increases opportunities for people to express their feelings and experiences, which can be particularly beneficial for people with depression and/or anxiety.
We'll increase opportunities for people to explore their emotions through creativity, connection with others, and help create a sense of belonging and community.
Social Connection: We'll work together to build social connections, especially with families and people living in rural areas of Ashford with poor transport links. Our charity already works in rural locations and we'll also offer access to our other projects including community shop and free children and young peoples activities.
Steps to get it done
- Partnership development; community engagement; planning; fundraising March/ April 2026
- Recruitment and onboarding of of part-time staff member, facilitators and volunteers May 2026
- Project/Workshop Promotion May 2026
- Begin Workshops and Activities June 2026
- Workshop Delivery and Impact Measurement On-going throughout the year
- 1st Exhibition November 2026
- On-line Winter workshop begins Dec 2026-Feb 2027
- 2nd Exhibition (on-line) Feb 2027
- Longer term sustainability work begins Feb 2027 (future vision and plans with group members, development of volunteers)
- Review and evaluation begins April 2027
