Cloughey’s Bowling Club was awash with colour and creativity as participants took part in the South Eastern Trust’s Art for Wellbeing programme.
The initiative provides an opportunity for people to pick up a paintbrush, connect with others, take part in art workshops and build lasting friendships in a relaxed environment.
Among those taking part is full-time carer for her Mum, Sarah Cairns who described the positive impact the sessions have helped improve her mental health. Sarah said, “I am also an arts and craft Tutor myself, but I never get the time to sit and do it. It has been great to take some time for myself and learn different tips from another artist. This course has been really beneficial and I have also met and made friends here.”
South Eastern Trust, Senior Social Work Practitioner, Hannah Roach explained how the Trust is working alongside the GP Federation and Arts Care to facilitate the programme.
Hannah explained, “Participants in the group are all from the local Peninsula, where issues such as loneliness and isolation can be common. Through this programme, we are helping people make connections and offering opportunities to learn new skills in a relaxed setting.”
“Engagement with the arts is proven to have a significant impact on wellbeing. It can help reduce stress levels and has even been shown to reduce physical pain by over 20 per cent.”
Fellow participant, Colin Gracey added how much he has been enjoying the art sessions, “I used to do art at Primary School and was even voted the ‘Most Likely To Succeed’ at the age of nine,” laughed Colin.
“It has been lovely to come along and just ‘let rip’, so to speak. This is a place to come down to, have a cup of coffee and a bit of craic. It has been great. I have really enjoyed it and all the supplies, all the paints and the materials that we need are here. I have made some personalised cards too and you really feel that you have achieved something.”