Case Study: Craft of Wellbeing

Introduction

This project highlights the therapeutic benefits of participating in CRAFT activities within a creative environment. Research indicates that craft can help improve mood and lower stress; multi-sensory engagement, repetitive actions and the satisfaction involved in making something, are related to release of neurotransmitters that promote joy and well-being. The initiative features two strands: 1. Craft that Cares: Open-access workshops at the Ruthin Craft Centre where participants explore mindfulness through hands-on creativity 2. Working with young and adult carers: Collaborating with NEWCIS and CREDU/WCD, these sessions support unpaid carers, offering social connection and skill development while providing a therapeutic respite from their caregiving duties.

The Challenge

Research by Carers’ Trust, November :2022 ‘I FEEL LIKE I’VE DISAPPEARED’ is an urgent plea from the UK’s unpaid carers, demonstrating concern for their Mental Health & Wellbeing in Wales. The research highlights starkly how unpaid carers have been pushed even further by the cost-of-living crisis, which has impacted on their health. It states that UK Government urgently need to meet the three most important issues for unpaid carers: Better support for the person/ people they care for; Respite; More Money. 48% of young carers feel stressed, and 38% had mental health problems. RCC believe that ‘Craft’ should be accessible to everyone and has the power to change communities. ‘Craft of Wellbeing’ gave unpaid carers some time away from their caring role to focus on their own health & wellbeing.

The Approach

TOTAL ‘Craft of Wellbeing’ Project: Number of sessions: 82 Number of participants: 955 Working with non-paid carers it explored innovative ideas based on participant feedback, to provide support, enhance skills, and offer respite, thus contributing to their overall well-being. Face-to-Face Craft Workshops: allowed carers of all genders and ages to engage with creativity. Creative Packs: containing all necessary materials were provided, accompanied by pre-recorded digital information for those needing to participate from home to engage at their convenience. Engaging Male Carers: To address limited participation from male carers in NEWCIS sessions we introduced bespoke workshops, practically led, teaching new craft skills and encouraging male carers to join and benefit from the activities. Parent Carers Creative Retreats: give opportunity to attend providing a break from their care roles. Collaboration with CREDU/WCD: young carers were offered workshops throughout the year, open to all age groups, including transport to ensure accessibility. For those homebound alternative sessions were provided. Craft that Cares: each 6-week block employed a visiting exhibitor to lead a session where creativity flourishes, and participants enjoy quality "me" time. The program expanded due to high demand.

The Impact

RCC appointed an external evaluator to measure the impact of the project. This consisted of various methodologies; feedback forms, Smiley Faces Assessment Scale, workshop observations, and participant reflections. A videographer documented it, providing insights from participants. Key findings revealed the project successfully engaged new audience. Participants experienced significant therapeutic benefits from hands-on activities, leading to increased emotional resilience, reduced isolation, and enhanced well-being through strong partnerships with community health partners. Confidence levels grew notably, many participants expressing a desire to continue attending workshops. Mood improvements were universal, all participants reported feeling better connected to themselves and their community. It also highlighted successful workshops tailored for men. Inclusivity was a core value, open-access workshops welcomed diverse individuals for reflection and creation. Overall, the project underscored the transformative value of craft and the importance of sustaining such projects within our communities. “My husband has come home from the blacksmith course. He hasn’t stopped chatting about it happily. The difference in him is amazing. He’s been so down lately this has helped him so much”.

Lessons Learned

‘No organisation should work in isolation’, has guided this project between RCC, community health partners NEWCIS and CREDU, and creative practitioners. Fostering strong partnerships trust and mutual understanding form the backbone of this initiative. Carers appreciate accessible and relaxing respite days, aided by provision of transportation and meals. Sessions quickly reached full capacity with regular attendance boosting participants' wellbeing. This success shows the importance of collaboration, accessibility in enhancing community wellbeing.

The Legacy

Our legacy is to sustain and develop this arts and health initiative. We emphasise long-term partnerships with our partners to create lasting impact through integrated cultural offerings. Connecting with diverse communities is essential, so we focus on inclusive programs, listening to feedback, and taking action to enhance accessibility to the arts. Our goal is to foster creativity and wellbeing by developing ideas and securing financial support. Collaboration is central to our approach, enabling us to enrich lives and strengthen communities

Website and Social Media Links

Films, Produced by TAWS production, Kim Ritter - Carers Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1019448724 - Craft that Cares Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1019458168 Interviews - Nigel Hurlstone Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1041166933/9990edb4aa?share=copy - Gill Winter NEWCIS Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1041163201/cdd5547090?share=copy - Websites Ruthin Craft Centre www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk NEWCIS www.newcis.org.uk CREDU/ WCD www.wcd.cymru

Contact Details

Learning and Engagement Team, Ruthin Craft Centre Tel: +44 (0)1824 704774 E-mail: ruthincraftcentre@denbighshireleisure.co.uk

Tags: Community, wellbeing, carers, craft, makers, young cares, respite, making, me time, galleries, interaction, together, makers, creative

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