Mayor joins us to get crafty
The Mayor of St. Neots, Ben Pitt, joined with budding potters at the launch of our brand new Mental Health Pottery Group.
The group, which meets weekly at the Art and Soul Creative Hub on New Street, aims to bring together people facing mental health challenges to find therapy through art and companionship.
Participants will make items using air drying clay and discover how concentrating on artistic creations can help to reduce intrusive thoughts. Taking part in craft activities is also proven to reduce blood pressure and feelings of stress, while the group format helps to alleviate isolation and loneliness.
The Mayor said of his visit to the group: “This is a fantastic new activity for the people of St. Neots, and I had a really fun afternoon. We know that pressures on mental health services are growing and people are really feeling the strain right now, so free activities like this are just what people need for support. The people at the first session had a great time, and came away with a real feeling of achievement having created something, plus there was a great feeling of connection and friendship within the room.”
CKH Programme Manager, Erul Hassan, added: “This group is building on the success of the two groups we already run in Peterborough. We are thrilled to be able to bring it to the people of St. Neots and the wonderful Art and Soul Hub is the perfect location – these people already understand the healing power of art! As CKH grows and builds homes in new areas, we are determined to also bring our tried and tested support to help our new communities.”
The Mental Health Pottery Group runs every Tuesday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm at Art and Soul Creative Hub, 7 New Street, St Neots PE19 1AE, and is completely free to take part. All materials are provided. If you would like to find out more or sign up to attend, call us on 01733 396404, email community@crosskeyshomes.co.uk or complete the enquiry form on our mental health support page .