7 easy ways to get crafting to boost your mental health

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.

Visit an exhibition

Studies show that taking part in art programmes in galleries improves mental wellbeing and increases interest in art. Whether you’re planning a cultural day out in the future or want to peruse online exhibitions from the comfort of your own home, we can’t encourage you enough!

Many museums offer free, family-friendly workshops, talks and courses as well as lots online content and events. Look out for ways to participate by checking your local institution’s website, signing up to their newsletters, and following them on social media.

Explore resources tailored to you

If you’re facing specific mental health issues, there may be a specialised group for you. Arts 4 Dementia provides creative support for people living with early-stage dementia; Combat Stress offers craft activities as part of its therapeutic support for veterans with PTSD; and Arts Sisterhood UK give low-cost workshops focused on women’s wellbeing.

Discover over 1000 events with Get Creative

Keen to explore crafting and culture in your local community? Each May, the Get Creative festival offer over a thousand events across the country. All events are free or cost only a small fee. Explore the Get Creative map to find out what’s happening near you or discover an online activity so you can try an activity at home.

Get crafting at home

Not everyone is able to get out and about. Thankfully, there’s lots of ways to reap the benefits of crafting without leaving the house. Discover our Everyday Making video tutorials by professional makers or take a look at our step-by-step activity guides. From making a cardboard automaton to finger-knitting, soap-casting to dyeing fabric using kitchen waste, there’s something for everyone. There is also a wealth of craft courses that you can do at home, from paper marbling to ceramics.