'Creative Connections' art programme is supporting creativity and wellbeing for service users and NHS staff

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 Cares after colleagues approached the charity towards the end of last year to discuss opportunities to introduce 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. 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:

• 'Sound Walks' exploring creativity through listening and observation
• Clay workshops creating sculptures and artwork
• Book folding sessions transforming books into creative displays
• Storytelling through movement
• Make Some Noise - DIY musical instrument 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 featuring artwork created by staff and service users throughout the programme. As part of the Culture 26 celebrations, it will showcase the positive impact that creativity, arts and culture can have on mental health and wellbeing

Going the extra mile to make ideas happen

While securing grant funding through Mersey Cares for a range of creative projects, colleagues from Halton CYPMHS were already thinking about what else they could do to enhance their service.

Wanting to create a dedicated mascot to help make the clinic feel even more welcoming, the team took on the Liverpool Santa Dash and, with the support of generous sponsors, raised more than £1,000 to turn their idea into reality.

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

Projects like these show how a little extra support can make a big difference. By funding initiatives that fall beyond the scope of NHS budgets, we're able to create opportunities that encourage creativity, self-expression and connection.

The Creative Connections project and the willow fox mascot are fantastic examples of how arts and culture can support wellbeing and recovery. We're thrilled to have played a part in bringing these ideas to life and are excited to see the positive impact they have on children, young people and staff.