Arts for Well-being

Who we are

Arts for Wellbeing is a project; set up in early 2022 by Pendle Leisure Trust with funding from the Council for Voluntary Services and The Arts Council England. This is now latterly being part-funded by the UK Government.

We deliver courses in various community venues across Pendle and work with professional freelance artists in the community. We have so far delivered courses in Storytelling and Craft, Mixed Media, Textiles, Ceramics, Painting and drawing, Christmas Wreath Making and Writing.

The Aim

Arts for well-being aims to enrich lives through various creative practices and art forms. The courses are suited to all people looking for a creative outlet but are particularly aimed at those who may be suffering from mental health or physical health-related issues and are seeking to improve their well-being.

Art has played such a valuable role in helping our participants, as it boosts confidence, lowers stress levels and creates a feeling of focus and calm. Many people have described our sessions as providing a relaxing distraction from everyday life and have described our service as “essential”, and “a lifeline” and noted that it has made a huge difference to their well-being and everyday lives.

A number of our participants have made strong friendships and bonds with others. Many of them also now attend other community groups and projects and have also continued with their artwork at home.

Upcoming courses/Events

• Art in the Natural World: At the Goodlife Project, Nelson. Commencing Wednesday 16 October for 10 weeks, 1.00pm - 3.00pm
  Learn botanical drawing & painting techniques and mindfulness. To book, click here.
• Saturday Art Sessions: At Nelson Library. Commencing Saturday 9 November for 6 weeks, 1.00pm - 4.00pm
  Learn drawing & printing techniques using seasonal themes. To book, click here.
• Monthly Winter Poetry Series: At Colne Library. Commencing Saturday 16 November, 10.00am - 12.00noon
  Explore creative writing techniques using seasonal themes. To book, click here.
• Thread of Hope: At The Muni Theatre, Colne. Thursday 12 December, 7.00pm
  This FREE performance is devised from the real, lived experiences of those in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction and raises this issue in a dramatic, compelling and honest way. Donna Worthington, artist, has worked with Elisha House Recovery Community in Colne to write, devise and perform their own theatre piece.
  Book your FREE tickets here.

Our planned sessions and events will be added in to this section as we develop them. You are welcome to contact us to join our mailing list at any time, so we can inform you of new opportunities as they come.

How do I get involved?

Sessions are open to anyone over 18 and you can self-refer or be referred through a social prescriber or GP.
To fill out an Arts on Prescription Referral Form, please click here.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything, please email administration@pendleleisuretrust.co.uk
You can visit our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/ArtsForWellbeingPendle