The use of creativity as a tool for positive wellbeing and self expression is behind an innovative programme which launched in Wānaka last month.

Participants in the free, weekly Central Wellbeing programme have tried watercolour painting, collaging, notebooking making and air-dry clay making, and each week they give a new creative challenge a go.

Designed for anyone experiencing social isolation or mental health challenges, the programme was created by Dunedin-based organisation Artsenta, and its introduction in Wānaka (as well as Cromwell and Alexandra) comes on the back of a successful pilot programme in North Otago.

“Research shows that being creative helps people with their mental wellbeing,” programme coordinator and peer support worker Fiona Fairbairn told the Wānaka App.

Six weeks in, Fiona and fellow coordinator and artist Janie Shaw say the programme is off to a strong start.

“A lot of people last week said they found doing something tactile, by playing with clay, was really calming,” Fiona said. “For other people the class is an opportunity to get something out of their head, to get that out in some form.

“And for a lot of people it’s about the connection with other people.”

Participants don’t need to meet any specific criteria, like having received a diagnosis, to take part, and the sessions aren’t counselling, something Fiona said she makes clear at every meeting.

“You don’t have to say anything that you don’t want to,” Fiona said.”We don’t ask anything. “People are just chatting, and if you want to you can just sit there and be quiet. There are no expectations.” 

Working alongside Janie, Fiona said she acts as a sounding board for participants.

“I have lived experience of mental health problems myself, and I put that out there…I can be a sounding board, and also help in terms of having an understanding of what services are available.”

Fiona said the classes had brought together people from their twenties right up to their eighties; people who work, who are unemployed and who were stuck here because of Covid-19; and people of different gender identities.

“What’s really cool about this group too is someone who might not have a grandparent here, they might get to develop a relationship with an older person; and someone whose kids are overseas might get to have that banter with a younger person.”

The programme will run throughout the year in Wānaka, with a new creative activity every week.

“It’s a challenge for people to try something different that they mightn’t have tried before,” Fiona said, “but it’s amazing what you can produce in a couple of hours.” 

The Wānaka Creative Wellbeing classes take place every Tuesday, from 2pm to 4.30pm, at the Wānaka Community Hub.

If you are interested in participating, please email [email protected].

PHOTO: Supplied