A new creative group for people living in Helston and the surrounding areas starts at the end of this month and has been funded by the National Lottery’s Awards for All.

Creative Connections is for adults, especially those over 50, who want to learn some creative crafts in a friendly atmosphere. The idea for the project came from artists Laura Menzies and Mel Young who have experience of facilitating a wide range of community groups, working with Jayne Howard of Arts Well, a social enterprise aimed at improving health and wellbeing through the arts.

“We know that craft activities are really helpful for people who might be facing difficulties in their life or feeling isolated in their community,” said Mel. “This project will help people to make connections with other people and groups in the area as well as build confidence and learn new skills.”

Laura added: “The workshops will be fun and relaxed, with plenty of tea, coffee and cake. No previous arts or craft experience is necessary.”

A recent all-party parliamentary group inquiry report on arts, health and wellbeing concluded that engaging in arts activity can "diminish anxiety, depression and stress while increasing self-esteem, confidence and purpose" and that social participation in arts-based groups in rural areas can have a protective effect on health comparable to giving up smoking. The project responds to these and similar findings and is aimed to have a long-term impact on participants.

The sessions will run on Tuesday afternoons, from 2-4pm, for 12 weeks starting on September 26, at the Old Cattle Market, Helston and are free of charge. For more information contact Laura or Mel on 07555 816122.