Mental health charity’s free art and craft sessions in Swindon

Mental health charity’s free art and craft sessions in Swindon

By Barrie Hudson – 22 January 2025

CharityArts and CultureCommunityHealth

  • Mental health charity’s free art and craft sessions in Swindon

Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind (S&G Mind) will host an arts and crafts workshop on Thursday 6 February at The Hub.

The gathering is part of a nationwide effort to encourage open conversations about mental health. 

Time to Talk Day 2025 is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with Co-op, and is described as the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. 

It is a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives, and each year helps encourage millions of conversations about mental health across the UK.

The organisation wants everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health.

Hazel Howe, CEO of S&G Mind, said: ‘’Time to Talk Day is a reminder of the power of open conversations about mental health. 

“This Time to Talk Day,  [Anchor] we’re asking people to get comfortable talking about mental health. Starting these conversations isn’t always easy but being able to share experiences is so crucial; one in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. 

“Whether  [Anchor] it’s sharing our own experiences or simply listening, every conversation can make a difference. 

“The more we look at different ways to address mental health problems in the community, the better life is for all of us.”

S&G Mind will join many others who will be having conversations about mental health on Time to Talk Day. Activity planned for the day by S&G Mind will include:

10–11am: Interactive Art Session – Inviting people to create a large collaborative collage. Using images and shapes combined with talking through our thoughts and feeling, and creating art together with the theme of wellbeing.

Noon–1pm: Five Ways to Wellbeing Workshop – Participants will gain an understanding of how Five Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Give & Keep Learning) – activities and practices which can help with health and wellbeing.

2–3pm: Positive Self-Talk Workshop – Learn how to use self-affirmations and gratitude to improve mindset.

One S&G Mind participant said: ‘‘I’m extremely grateful for the exceptional care I received from S&G Mind. Their expertise and compassion were invaluable to my healing journey. 

“They created a safe and supportive space where I could openly explore my emotions. Through their guidance, I’ve developed valuable coping mechanisms and gained a deeper understanding of myself. I’m incredibly grateful for the positive changes I’ve experienced thanks to their support. 

“I feel more confident, resilient, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges’’.

Places can be reserved here.

For more tips on starting conversations about mental health, people can visit timetotalkday.co.uk, and follow the conversation on social media #TimeToTalk.

For those who require advice or guidance on seeking local mental health services, Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind can help via the S&G Mind Access Line on 01793 547150. 

 


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