On Friday, 6th March, the Healthwatch Cumberland team launched our first ever creative Wellbeing Drop In at Restore Carlisle. This session was centred around light and Seasonal Affective Disorder, with each participant joining in to make clay tea light holders.
The team decided to create these sessions to provide a space for a comfortable chat about wellbeing, and to coincide with the 5 steps to wellbeing, which are connection, physical activity, learning new skills, giving to others and being present or mindful.
“We have been wanting to create a space for people to find connection whilst doing an activity and learning a new skill. Having time to get creative is like giving yourself permission to grow and to rest. We also wanted to provide an opportunity for people to speak to us about their health and wellbeing in a more relaxed and comfortable setting.
-Suzannah, Comms and Admin Coordinator
“Our first session was amazing! It was such a lovely opportunity. We had a small group of people turn up who really got stuck into the clay making and the colouring. We had a chat about Seasonal Affective Disorder and let everyone know about our other sessions that we have coming up.”
In upcoming months, the team will be holding some more Wellbeing Drop In’s:
- “I collage my experience”, Creative collaging for self expression, Friday 6th March, 10am-12pm at Restore Carlisle.
- “Release your stress this Spring”, Spring origami for Stress Awareness Month, Friday 3rd April, 10am-12pm at Restore Carlisle.
“Our Wellbeing Drop In’s are all free of charge and materials will be provided. I’m really excited for the next session in March as it coincides with the lead up to International Women’s Day. We will be doing an expressive collaging session, and there will also be some Frida Kahlo colouring sheets. I can’t wait!”
You can join the team for the next session on Friday 6th March, 10am-12pm at Restore Carlisle.