Online creative workshops for people living with long term health challenges
Experience the positive health & wellbeing impacts of engaging with the creative arts, whilst connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Did you know that research has shown that regularly taking part in creative or cultural activities can help improve many aspects of our health and wellbeing, and help us live longer, more meaningful lives? Whether you are living with physical or mental health challenges, getting creative with others can be good for you, and help address a range of symptoms. Our Creative Space programme offers the chance to learn new skills and access peer support through a series of free online workshops led by experienced arts-health practitioners. Activities are designed to be adaptable to your own individual needs and energy levels.
“I want to thank you all for these sessions, it’s been a real surprise to enjoy them so much and great to meet other people who get what it’s like to be living with long term health issues.”
“Your workshops are the only place I’ve ever felt truly able to be myself around people who fully understand my condition.”
“I have seen a massive improvement in my mood since connecting with others during these sessions.”
“Being able to access online allows me to join a group independently and keep my independence rather than rely on someone to take me to a physical class.”
Recent workshop participants
Current programme April-July 2024
Creative Writing
Online group workshops to stimulate cognition through simple writing exercises in poetry, short stories, drama and comedy. Suitable for complete novices and more experienced writers, the focus is on fun and word play.
Wed 28th April 18:00 – 19:00 Creative Writing with Emma
Wed 8th May 18:00 – 19:00 Creative Writing with Emma
Wed 10th July 18:00 – 19:00 Creative Writing with Emma
Wed 5th June 18:00 – 19:00 Creative Writing with Emma
Visual Art
Relaxing arts and craft activities using materials from around your home. Good for mindfulness, coordination and letting your imagination flow. Have a go yourself, invite family members to join you, or sit back and watch what others create in our informal online workshops.
Friday 19th April 13:30 – 15:00 Visual Art with Marie
Friday 26th April 13:30 – 15:00 Visual Art with Marie
Friday 3rd May 13:30 – 15:00 Visual Art with Marie
Friday 7th June 13:30 – 15:00 Visual Art with Marie
Friday 5th July 13:30 – 15:00 Visual Art with Marie
Singing & Breath Work
Online group sessions led by a singing for health specialist, including breath work to address respiratory symptoms and ease anxiety. Did you know that singing regularly can also boost your immune system and provide enjoyable cardio exercise?
Thurs 2nd May 18:30 – 19:30 Singing & Breath Work with Nicola
Thurs 23rd May 18:30 – 19:30 Singing & Breath Work with Nicola
Thurs 13th June 18:30 – 19:30 Singing & Breath Work with Nicola
Thurs 11th July 18:30 – 19:30 Singing & Breath Work with Nicola
All our creative workshops are free to attend – but booking is essential, and please don’t book if you are not planning to attend.
If you are not sure if the session is for you, we warmly invite you to join your first workshop as an observer. Our artists will offer advice about different ways to participate in activities, but only you will know what is right for you on any given day. All our activities are optional. You can rest or leave the session at any time, and have your camera on or off.
You may also be interested in Gentle – our free weekly online seated yoga class led by hatha yoga instructor Imogen Hayward – Every Thursday 13:00 – 14:00 : CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Background
Our Creative Space programme began as a commissioned service for East Suffolk & NE Essex NHS Trust supporting the recovery of patients living with long covid in Suffolk and Northeast Essex. Since expanding the remit of the programme, we’ve seen how activities have also been beneficial to participants living with a variety of health challenges including Parkinson’s, MS, Chronic Fatigue and those recovering from cancer, surgery and chronic illness. Hear from participants of the programme in the short film below:
Online resources
Click here to access our Creative Space YouTube playlist for bite-sized singing, breathing & visual art exercises to stimulate cognitive function
Click here to access our YouTube Playlist aimed at 16-25 year olds
For more info about any aspect of our Creative Space programme, email us at coherearts@gmail.com
Produced in partnership with
