Art and craft for wellbeing: It’s “life changing”

Creativity can be a powerful way to support wellbeing.

Health in Mind’s art and craft group offers a welcoming space where people can connect with others, try new activities and take some time out from the pressures of everyday life. 

We spoke to Ross about the group, what makes it special, and why creativity matters. 

Health in Mind has been running art and craft activities for many years, offering a wide range of creative experiences including candle making, glass painting, shadow puppetry, printing, drawing and more. 

Alongside creative activities, the group creates opportunities for people to spend time together, share skills and build confidence.

Ross explains: 

“The main purpose of the group is helping people connect, and to be with each other. 

The space that we foster is non-judgmental, open, inclusive and person-centred. People can choose to join in or not – the focus is on having this safe space. 

It’s good to be able to come in and you’ve got something that you can hold or you can work with straight away, so you don’t have to talk. If you don’t want to talk, you don’t have to talk and you still have a reason for being there.” 

The group often starts with gentle mindful movement and breathing exercises to help people settle in and feel grounded before beginning creative activities. 

How being creative improves our lives

Ross sees creativity as much more than making something decorative. 

“There’s something about working with your hands. There’s something about non-verbal communication and having a sense of purpose. It’s all very human, the activities can help us to slow down and reduce stress and help with anxiety as well.” 

The group also encourages people to rediscover their natural creativity. 

“I think as children we are generally creative. If you give a young child a box of crayons, they will decorate your house and walls for you very quickly! There’s less inhibitions. It’s kind of allowing people to get back into that creativity. 

Your creative moments, your time to be in that creative space, can often be knocked down your priority list and I think it’s really important to get it back up there again, to recharge your batteries. 

There’s lots of different ways of being creative.” 

Whether it’s drawing, knitting, dancing in the kitchen or trying something completely new, creativity can bring moments of joy or release in difficult moments. 

What participants say

“I am so grateful to have been able to secure a spot on this programme. I had no idea what would be involved, expected and yet from day one it has been a highlight of my week. No matter how disappointing tough and sad my own life has felt, this was a moment to escape.” 

“I’ve been very isolated and navigating a stressful period in my life, the group has helped to feel connected and reconnect with creative practice.” 

“I really enjoyed the structure of mindful exercise at the beginning. I can feel the shift in my body, and I try to practise this every day, especially if I feel my nervous energy. I’d never been exposed to and discovered joy from willow, felt, printmaking and giving myself permission to play with pencil and watercolour. Life Changing.” 

How I look after my mental health

Creativity is also a key part of Ross’s own wellbeing. 

“I keep up my own art practice. I do it for myself. 

I enjoy moments of wellbeing out in nature too, so all the things that I use to support people at work is what I use for my own wellbeing. 

I can go into the world of shapes and colours, and it’s great. It’s a lovely world, a really nice place to be. 

Quite often when you’re in the moment, doing, you get a better perspective on worries and troubles and it kind of dissolves. It’s not really that important.” 

Find out more about Health in Mind’s art and craft group in Midlothian:
https://midspace.co.uk/services/art-and-craft-in-wellbeing-health-in-mind/