May marks both Mental Health Awareness Week and Dementia Action Week, making it a fitting time to reflect on 10 years of Connect & Create – our creative wellbeing programme.
Since launching in 2016, Connect & Create has reached more than 2000 people across Southend, including people living with dementia, survivors of trauma, and those experiencing mental health challenges, through inclusive therapeutic arts practice, nurturing healing, confidence and joy through creativity.
A Decade of Impact
Over the last ten years, Connect & Create has delivered more than 25,500 hours of support, across over 100 groups, reaching 2,194 people.
This year alone, 49% of participants said they had reduced the use of crisis teams or NHS and GP mental health services, with visits falling from 175 total visits before participation to 90 total visits afterwards.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Warren Harper, our Director of Southend said:
“Over the last decade, people in our community have been facing growing and complex mental health challenges. During this time, Connect & Create and its legacy has shown how the arts can play a crucial role in strengthening mental wellbeing at a time when such resilience is needed most.
We’re proud to be working with Southend City Council to provide free, safe and accessible sessions to strengthen connection and community, and it is much needed work I hope we can continue doing for the next ten years.”
Reflecting on the Programme
At its heart, the programme aims to be a welcoming space for people facing a wide range of challenges. As part of this anniversary year, we invited participants to reflect on what creativity and connection mean to them.
Mental Wellbeing Coordinator Emma Mills and Class Facilitator Ian Wilson spoke with some of the Connect & Create participants about how creative spaces can help people feel understood, valued and connected.
Connections through Creativity
Participants described the programme as a place where they can connect, feel safe and a sense of community.
“Connect & Create is like a big day out for me. It makes me feel a part and included, and like I am an artist rather than a person with ‘issues’. People talk about what’s important to them, and other times it goes very quiet as we get into our artwork. It makes me feel whole.”
“It makes me feel exposed but not in a bad way. I feel like I’m showing parts of myself that I would normally keep hidden and growing in confidence. I don’t have to hide here.”
Creativity without Pressure
Participants spoke passionately about the freedom and encouragement they experience through making art together in the sessions.
“What I like most about the art I create is that it doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’, but it’s appreciated.”
“It connects art, nature and local history to create a true sense of place and connection with others.”
Emma Mills, Art Psychotherapist, Mental Wellbeing Facilitator and our Connect & Create Coordinator said:
“We warmly welcome anyone facing mental health challenges—whether you’re feeling anxious, low, lonely, or simply in need of a safe space to breathe. Through the therapeutic power of creativity, we offer opportunities to reconnect with yourself, create meaningful artwork, build new friendships and enjoy the moment.”
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Connect & Create over the last decade and everyone who has supported the programme. A special thank you to the participants who generously shared their experiences with us.
If you’re interested in joining us or referring someone, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more here.
