By Caroline Hayes
Saturday 10 June is Global Wellness Day which is a social project dedicated to living well and is now in its 11th year. Some of the aims of the day are to pause and think, to be free from stress, and to increase motivation. The organisers of Global Wellness Day say on their website (www.globalwellnessday.org) that embarking on a wellness journey is a process of searching for the appropriate “tools” to make you a healthier and happier human being.
One of the tools that makes me a happier human being is being creative, and sharing that passion with others, and that is one of the reasons that myself and a couple of friends started the group Cranleigh Creatives. As well as the happiness which being creative brings us, we get a lot of joy from bringing together likeminded people to socialise and enjoy learning new crafts together. We started the group in January and we now have over 250 members which is incredible.
We have a social meet up once a month at the Richard Onslow and this month’s is from 7pm on Wednesday 28 June. We also arrange regular workshops for all skill levels and this month we have willow weaving, gel printing and we will be making a summer floral basket with local florist Sarah Batchelor. Last month we ran a paint pouring workshop and had a crochet evening at Surrey’s Gin & Tea Bar, so we really do offer a wide variety of activities and something for everyone.
Some research commissioned by BBC Arts found that regardless of a person’s skill level, taking part in activities such as painting, pottery or music has a particularly positive impact on emotions and wellbeing. You could join your local choir, try a painting class, or if you like the idea of pottery and other crafty pursuits, why not join us at Cranleigh Creatives? We are on Facebook and our group is called Cranleigh Creatives. If you have any questions, or if you’re not on Facebook but would still like to be involved, then send me an email to .
I am obviously not suggesting that joining us and learning a new craft will take away all of your problems, but if you can escape from them for a couple of hours while you’re learning a new skill in the company of friendly likeminded people, that can only be a positive experience.
Please do keep me informed about your group.
Thank you