The Big Give have awarded Inside Out Cymru with up to £5,000 of match funding! 

From Tuesday 19th March to Tuesday 26th March, The Big Give’s campaign pages will be live for public donations, which they will match, pound-for-pound, to DOUBLE the money we raise! 

Inside Out Cymru and our partners at the Riverfront, Newport are asking for donations towards the running of the Creative Wellbeing Hub. Now in its third year, the Creative Wellbeing Hub provides craft and creative writing workshops specifically aimed at those struggling with their wellbeing – be that through loneliness, anxiety or other diagnoses. The weekly classes allow participants to meet like-minded people in a non-judgemental, friendly and supportive environment.

“I love writing, I have always written and I always will. The Creative Writing class is a lovely class – it’s really good to get to know such nice people. The feedback from everyone is always excellent. It is very encouraging and I always feel valued.”

– Pam, Creative Writing Participant

Meeting frequently and working towards something together build confidence, optimism and importantly, trust. The creative sessions at the Riverfront Workshops allow participants, artists and wellbeing professionals to get to know each other, giving each other advice and supporting each other in engagement in other wellbeing provision. 

“The craft sessions are about more than just being creative together. They offer a safe space for participants to relax and have time away from what are often, very real challenges. Trust forms quickly over shared interests and with support, so much growth is observed.”

– Lisa, Craft Class Facilitator

If we meet the target of £10,000, the Creative Hub will provide 30 weekly craft sessions, 30 weekly creative writing sessions, 10 weeks of supported making, 20 hours of wellbeing professional AND a public exhibition or performance of works. This can provide up to 1,680 attendances from individuals with sustained wellbeing support, allowing them to really settle with their new skills and confidence and even do things they’ve never done before! 

“Craft group motivates me to do other things outside of class. I look forward to going. I feel supported when I attend. It’s so much more than just the craft. It’s support, it’s friendliness, it’s acceptance, it’s good company. There is no pressure which is good for my wellbeing.”

– Karen, Craft Class Participant

The Big Give’s support will allow Inside Out Cymru to make new relationships with supporters and allow us to explore new avenues of fundraising. Watch this space for more information – including an upcoming raffle with some exciting prizes! We look forward to your support, whether that’s through a donation or even a share of our story. 

With thanks, 

Becca and Kate xx