A creative well-being project for adults in Workington and Whitehaven’s central libraries is seeking new recruits. Tea and Tonic offers individuals a safe, welcoming space to socialise, meet new people and increase social confidence through tea, cake, conversation and a range of simple, accessible arts activities. Sessions run fortnightly and have a different theme each time so people can attend as many sessions as they wish.
There’ll be a range of creative activities to take part in and hopefully lots of laughter! Themes will be inspired by all sorts including library resources and by the people who choose to attend. In recent weeks participants have been decorating fairy cakes, hand jiving, creating seasonal collages and taken inspiration from a range of different music and artists.
Lee Thorburn, Allerdale’s Community Services Manager says; “We are delighted to be supporting the ‘Tea and Tonic’ fortnightly sessions in our Whitehaven and Workington libraries. The variety of activities planned really do have something for everyone and is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy your local library and learn more about our many services.”
The project aims to reduce social isolation and improve well-being through regular, social creative activity. It’s a collaboration between Cumbria County Council library services, Amy’s Care (who specialise in providing social clubs for older adults) and freelance Creative Facilitator Jenn Bell.
Sessions have been funded by Allerdale and Copeland Borough Councils and meeting room spaces have been provided free of charge by Workington and Whitehaven libraries. The fortnightly activities will be led by Jenn Bell, supported by Gilli Goodfellow from Amy’s Care. Jenn delivers a wide range of arts and heritage community initiatives across Cumbria and Lancashire, including at Theatre by the Lake and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.
Sessions are open to anyone who might be feeling lonely or isolated or in need of a pick-me-up. It’s accessible to people living with dementia and their carers and to those who may need a bit of a helping hand accessing the arts.
Sessions run on Monday 11th and 25th November and 9th December. They’re in Whitehaven library from 10am – 11.30am and Workington 1.30pm – 3pm. For more information please contact Gilli Goodfellow at [email protected].
