With the positive links between making and mental wellbeing becoming increasingly clear, we explore the wealth of free or low-cost creative craft activities across the UK that are open to all. One in four adults in England is being diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives, so there’s no better time to start making.
Get potting with free Hey Clay! activities and workshops
Ever wanted to try your hand at ceramics? Hey Clay! is the perfect way to get started. For the last six years, venues all over the UK have offered free or low-cost pottery workshops over one weekend in May. Hey Clay! is part of the Get Creative Festival, the annual celebration of creativity across the UK. There hundreds of listings nationwide to find the event for you. In response to COVID-19, Hey Clay! 2020 went online. Discover what happened and find clay tutorials to try at home.
Find a local craft club…
There are craft communities up and down the country who get together to share and learn new skills. From woodturning to knitting, there will be a craft club out there for you! Many people attend a craft club for therapeutic reasons and say it boosts their mood. Try finding a craft club near you by joining our Everyday Making Facebook group or contact your local library to see what activities they offer.
…Or set up your own
If you’re enthusiastic about making and want to build connections in your community, why not form your own craft club? The Crafts Council has several resources on how you can get started and many activities ideas for you to try with your club, from soap casting to den building. Network with other craft club leaders and share your group’s work on our Everyday Making Facebook group. We regularly share activities ideas and opportunity ideas there, so keep your eyes peeled.