A SHORT series of arts and crafts sessions are due to be held in South Hill Parish Hall by Battling On to support those in the local community who may be struggling.
The Arts & Crafts Workshops by Battling On, which is based at Merryhue Farm, have been developed in conjunction with Drawn To The Valley Collective of artists to deliver short art sessions for members of the community who are struggling with anxiety, depression, social isolation or loneliness or who are carers and just need a bit of time or TLC for themselves and who will benefit from a ‘low key’, ‘no pressure’ environment whilst learning new creative skills and techniques.
Sue Johns, community programmes manager for Battling On, said: “During July and August we had 10 ‘Taster’ sessions and participants were able to exhibit and sell their work.
“Due to the success of these workshops, further funding was sought and obtained to continue with more sessions to aid the recovery and wellbeing of our community in Cornwall.”
The first of these workshops in October were well attended, one participant said: “The sessions make such a difference to me, they give me some time just for me and I am buzzing when I get home.”
Sue continued: “More and more of us having gone through the last couple of years have been left feeling anxious and socially isolated, and attending workshops and sessions such as these can sometimes be the first step to feeling more like ourselves and aid our road to recovery.”
The next three sessions are being held off-site at South Hill Parish Hall on November 19 (glasswork) and December 7 (Christmas cards and decoration). Sue added: “Already I have seen the power of art therapy and the positive effect it can have on peoples wellbeing, and am proud that at Battling On, along with the Drawn To The Valley artists, we can assist with this.”