How Arts, Crafts and Creative Practices Help Improve Our Mental Health and Wellbeing
In response, we’ve decided to share some thoughts and local initiatives to inspire our community to take care of their mental health by taking time to themselves and trying something new. This blog will cover Arts, Crafts and Creative Practices, and how you can get creative.
Numerous studies have evidenced the benefits of creativity for promoting positive mental health. Research commissioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in December 2024 found that cultural participation (live music, art classes, theatre) reduces depression, stress, pain, frailty and even cognitive decline. Research from AgeUK found that we place greater emphasis on creativity and cultural participation as we get older, ranking highest among factors contributing to well-being in later life.
Our Summary found that about 1 in 4 of our respondents (26%) kept themselves emotionally happy through crafts, singing, or listening to music, highlighting the therapeutic value of artistic and creative pursuits.
Creativity looks different for everyone, whether it’s painting, doodling, writing in a journal, learning an instrument, growing plants, re-arranging your room, learning your home language, or baking something sweet. What defines creativity is the act of engaging in some form of self-expression or imagination to create anything.
We hope this blog inspires you to consider new ways to engage with arts and creative practices at home and across Barking and Dagenham.
Getting Creative At Home:
Painting:
Even if you’ve never painted before, or don’t think that you’re a good painter, painting has positive mental benefits for anyone who engages with the practice. Just experimenting with colour and texture by splashing colours on the page are great ways to de-stress and express yourself creatively.
Retail stores like WH Smiths and The Works will sell affordable paint sets and painting paper. The Works sells paint sets from £3.
If you want a more structured experience, Painting By Numbers has become increasingly popular for those looking to de-stress creatively without overthinking what exactly they want to paint. Many types are able to order online.
Journalling and Doodling
Many people use notebooks, but few people dedicate a notebook entirely to themselves. Drawing or writing about your day, your thoughts and feelings, or what you hope to achieve in the future can be beneficial in increasing positive thoughts and feelings of self-determination. Most people find it helpful to set aside a small amount of time every day to develop a routine.
Baking
Baking can be an accessible way to get creative and de-stress in your own kitchen. Below are some easy, delicious recipes you can try out from a range of different cultures.
Getting Creative Can Be Social! Creative Initiatives in Barking and Dagenham:
In our summary, 35% of respondents believed that good mental health support and services would focus on ‘Opportunities for people to communicate and connect’. This was our second most-popular response, suggesting that reducing loneliness through social support and companionship are valuable across different demographics.
Creative Barking and Dagenham
Volunteer opportunities, creative workshops, and group activities for adults and families with children to see a variety of arts and culture shows both locally and across London. They also frequently partner with artists to show interactive public art performances in Barking and Dagenham.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit their website here.
The Women’s Museum
Newly opened in 2024, the Museum is a platform for exhibitions, learning, events and workshops which highlight the achievements of women, as well as functioning as a social space. It prides itself as an inclusive space for people of all identities, abilities and backgrounds.
Upcoming Events: BREATHE Wellbeing session, every 2 weeks (FREE!). Focusing on breath, reflective journaling, sound, and light movement, led by healing artist Jaha Browne. Light refreshments and friendly chats to follow.
Location: 4 Barking Wharf Square, Barking, IG11 7DQ
Opening times: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12 - 5pm
You can sign up to their newsletter here for more information on upcoming news and events.
Shed Life
Shed Life is a resident-led project which serves as a network and space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, converse and create. Activities are chosen by the group, ranging from model making to wood-work, up-cycling to photography. Shed Life’s purpose is to help reduce loneliness and isolation and utilise the skills and talents of all men involved by sharing and learning from each other.
Location: The Thames Community Hub, Thames View Estate, Barking, IG11 OLG
Weekly Drop-In: every Wednesday 10am - 12pm (just pop in, no need to book!)
You can visit their website here for more information.
Gentle and Meek Art Classes For Children
Saturday sessions for children aged 4-10. Each lesson is unique, focusing on different aspects of art like painting, sculpting, and group projects. Gentle and Meek’s goal is to keep activities fun and engaging while balancing skill-building with creative exploration.
You can visit their Instagram page here for further information and message for enquiries.
Location: 15 Linton road, Barking, IG11 8HE
Opening times: 10am - 12pm on Saturdays.
DABD Golden Years (60+) groups
DABD (Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham) holds groups for people aged 60+ with creative sessions including a chance to knit or sew, a game of cards or to get support with using your tablet or mobile phone.
Wednesday: Sewing and Craft Group, 10.00am – 1:00pm
Location: Dawson Hall, 330 Hedgemans Road, Dagenham, RM9 6BX
You can visit their website here for more events like their Men’s Club and Social Club, or give them a call for further information on 0330 054 2500, or email goldenyears@dabd.org.uk
