New arts programme brings people together through Culture 26 funding

Creative Connections brings creativity, confidence and connection to Halton

A new programme of creative workshops is helping children, young people, staff and service users across Halton explore self-expression, build confidence and improve wellbeing through the arts.

The Creative Connections project was developed through a partnership between Halton Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) and Mersey Care NHS Charity after colleagues approached the charity towards the end of last year to discuss opportunities to bring more creative activities into their service.

Working together, the team successfully secured funding through a Made in Halton Aspire Grant, part of a wider programme celebrating arts, culture and creativity across the borough in partnership with Cultivate Halton. Mersey Cares was one of 10 recipients awarded funding to deliver creative projects within local communities.

With the overarching theme of 'Made In Halton', these grants awarded by Halton Borough Council and Cultivate Halton  "aim to bring art, creativity and culture to the heart of our community."  

The funding has enabled the launch of Creative Connections, a series of monthly workshops designed to bring people together through creativity while supporting mental health and wellbeing.

So far, participants have enjoyed a range of activities including:

• A Sound Walk exploring creativity through listening and observation
• Clay workshops creating sculptures and artwork
• Book folding sessions transforming books into creative displays
• Storytelling through movement
• An upcoming music workshop

Children and young people attending the sessions have embraced the opportunity to try new art forms, express themselves creatively and experience the wellbeing benefits that creativity can bring.

The workshops are also helping to build connections between service users, families and staff, creating safe and welcoming spaces where people can learn new skills, share experiences and have fun together.

A lasting creative legacy

The project will culminate in a public exhibition showcasing artwork and creative pieces produced by staff and service users throughout the programme.

As part of the wider Culture 26 celebrations, the exhibition will provide an opportunity for participants to celebrate their achievements, share their creative journeys and highlight the positive impact that arts and culture can have on mental health and wellbeing.

Going the extra mile to make ideas happen

Alongside working with Mersey Care NHS Charity to secure grant funding, colleagues from Halton CYPMHS were determined to raise additional funds to support wellbeing within their service.

The team signed up to the Liverpool Santa Dash and, through their fundraising efforts, raised more than £1,000 to create a dedicated service mascot.

The mascot was created across a two-day workshop with artist, Sarah Gallagher-Hayes from Twigtwisters. The sessions saw everyone getting hands-on contributing to the process and adding in their own creative touches. The willow fox has been developed to help create a warm and welcoming environment for children, young people and families attending the service. It will play an important role in helping visitors feel comfortable, connected and supported from the moment they arrive.

Supporting wellbeing through creativity

Through a combination of external funding, staff fundraising and strong partnership working, Halton CYPMHS has worked closely with us to develop a range of opportunities that extend beyond what NHS funding alone can provide. These activities promote wellbeing and creativity, giving young people access to therapeutic experiences that encourage self-expression, build confidence and support positive mental health. 

Creative Connections and the Fox Mascot project, reflects a growing understanding of the important role that arts, culture and creativity can play in supporting recovery, self-expression and emotional wellbeing -- and our charity is so proud to have helped make this happen.