A community art project that seeks to improve the lives of those living with mental health issues is opening its doors again for new participants.
The Credo Project, backed by non-profit care providers Ambient Support, has run courses eight and nine weeks long in Orpington for 16 years, and is led by Creative Arts Coordinator and professional ceramist, Jehan Haddad.
Sessions at the project run four days a week, and last for two hours. They are welcome to the participants and their friends and family, while also giving people who attend the chance to meet new people and boost their confidence.
After months of various Covid-related lockdowns, the start of sessions again comes as a welcome relief for some, as Jehan described:
“It’s been wonderful to see the studio busy now that we can finally open our doors again,” she said.
“It’s been an especially difficult time for people living with mental ill health with many experiencing extreme levels of anxiety and stress. Our studio provides a safe and friendly environment whilst giving people the opportunity to be creative and have fun. The finished pieces created by the participants really are wonderful, it gives people great satisfaction and pride to see their final masterpieces and it’s a joy to watch…”
Credo, Ambient’s ceramics project, is on a mission to help people with lived experience of #mentalhealth to integrate back into the community & regain the confidence lost in lockdowns. 📣 Tickets for Summer courses have just gone on sale! – https://t.co/N7JXhTWpA3 #ceramics pic.twitter.com/zkpLelFmef
— Ambient: Passionate About People (@ambientsupport) June 1, 2021
The sessions run out of St Mary’s Cray in Orpington and are fully inclusive regardless of people’s background, age or health concerns, as Communications Head Davina Sellick said:
“Ambient believes that everyone is unique and deserves to live a full and meaningful life in their community, regardless of age, health or disability. Our ceramic courses provide this person-centered approach and are open to any who feel that they could benefit from exploring their creativity for an improved sense of mental wellbeing,” she said.
Click here for more information.
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/19529265.south-london-art-projects-mental-health-boost/