Second round of art workshops inspires creativity across Halton CYPMHS
9 July 2026
Service users and staff took part in sculpture workshops using clay to support wellbeing, creativity and self‑expression
Local artist leads sculpture workshop to support wellbeing, creativity and self‑expression
A second run of Creative Connections art sessions this time led by local artist, Ivy Kalungi, have taken place at Thorn Road Clinic and the Brooker Centre for service users and staff.
The community art project to support wellbeing, creativity and self‑expression is part of Halton Culture 26 Celebrations thanks to a charitable grant obtained by Mersey Cares.
The hour-long sessions saw participants work with clay to create a base structure considering balance, weight and stability before opening into experimentation with stacking, bending, cutting and shaping to explore movement tension and form.
Staff described the session as ‘therapeutic’ and ‘calming’ while service users shared that the session had been enjoyable with one young participant using the session to create a football trophy ahead of the World Cup.
Born in Uganda and raised in Belfast, Ivy said of her work:
“I explore the black female experience of sculpture installation and moving image with a focus on identity migration and resilience. Working with materials such as ceramics wood metal and found object I create tactile works that reflect on memory trauma and recovery.”
Funding for the project was secured by Mersey Cares to support Halton Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) with a six-month art project. The project will culminate in participants showcasing their work at a local gallery space later in the year.
Led by Art Psychotherapist Nicola Hamlin, the project features a programme of art forms led by local artists to create meaningful experiences for staff and patients.
The project is part ofCulture 26 celebrations. an initiative by Halton Council to recognise culture across the region:
Culture 26 is a yearlong celebration of everything that makes Halton unique. It’s a movement and a promise to capture and share the stories, skills, spirit, and identity that define the residents. We’ll wear it, paint it, sing it and dance it, with pop-up performances, community-led exhibitions, youth-led projects, workshops, talks and more!
Previous Creative Connections
Staff and service users took a slow-paced walk around Thorn Road Clinic, focusing on listening closely to the surrounding environment.
