Connect & Create is an award-winning creative wellbeing initiative that brings people together through the transformative power of art.
Run in partnership with Southend City Council, Connect & Create is founded on the belief that creativity is essential to personal wellbeing. This Southend-based programme offers a safe, supportive space for adults (18+) to express themselves, connect with others, and improve mental health.
Since 2016 we’ve supported hundreds of individuals – including those living with dementia, facing PTSD or grief, managing long-term mental health conditions, and experiencing social isolation – through inclusive, trauma-informed art sessions that nurture healing, confidence, and joy.
What We Do:
We run structured and informal creative wellbeing sessions designed to help you:
- Explore emotions and self-expression through art
- Rebuild confidence and personal purpose
- Connect with a like-minded community
- Enjoy respite and relaxation in a non-judgmental space
What We Offer:
We’re delighted to offer three unique 10-week art therapy and wellbeing programmes designed to support emotional healing, self-expression, and resilience. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges or seeking creative connection, there’s a place for you here.
1. Me, Myself & Art
A joyful celebration of self-love, compassion, and creativity. This programme invites you to explore identity and personal storytelling through art, inspired by playful, expressive works from artists around the world. Expect collaborative group pieces and a nurturing environment that helps you reconnect with yourself and others.
2. A Walk in the Park
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Chalkwell Park, this nature-based group blends art therapy, gentle movement, making and storytelling. Together we’ll explore photography, journaling, and creative mapping – grounded in trauma-informed practice and tailored to support mental wellbeing.
3. Creative Resilience
Winner of Most Innovative Mental Health Intervention (Mental Health Awards 2023), this pioneering programme combines psychoeducation and expressive arts. Through lifelines, memory-based art, and visual storytelling, you’ll process and explore trauma in a safe and supported space. This is the only group of its kind in Southend.
Art Sessions for Individuals Living with Dementia
Additionally, we offer tailored, engaging art sessions for individuals living with dementia, offering each participant a personalised art station with materials they enjoy – whether collage, clay, or other mediums. The activities are gently structured to stimulate cognition, evoke memory, and support varying levels of need, including those with advanced dementia. Within this space, participants are invited to create meaningful artworks as gifts for carers or loved ones, expressing gratitude in whatever form feels natural – through poetry, statements, or creative visual pieces. The process is open, personal, and paced for everyone, allowing for expression that is abstract, symbolic, or literal, depending on what feels most resonant.
- Recognised with three Dementia Care Award nominations.
- Carers are welcome to leave participants in our care during sessions.
- Themes include: Thank You, Collage, Music for Memories, Memory Maps, and Clay Portraits.
What to Expect from Sessions:
- A warm welcome with tea or coffee
- A peaceful art room overlooking Chalkwell Park
- Flexible indoor and outdoor activities
- Access to an accessible toilet and refreshments throughout
- 2-hour sessions, thoughtfully designed over a 10-week course
- Options to continue in a new programme after completing a course
Who Can Join:
We welcome adults 18+ from all backgrounds, including:
- Individuals living with dementia
- Those managing PTSD, anxiety or depression
- People experiencing grief or loss
- Those facing isolation due to age, disability, or life circumstances
- Marginalised community members
Our Impact:
Connect & Create is more than an art group – it’s a space for healing, growth, and connection. Participants often share stories of improved mental health, renewed confidence, and joyful rediscovery of creativity.
The art group gave my husband peace, joy, and a sense of connection. They also gave me the respite I needed.”
“These classes bring a sense of purpose, joy, and normalcy.”
I’ve seen how much these sessions help people. They build real community.”
They let me be myself and manage my busy brain. So helpful for mental health.”
Support our Work
Get in Touch:
Interested in joining us or referring someone? We’d love to hear from you.
- General Info & Referrals
📧 emma.mills@metalculture.com
📞 07918 360374
- Dementia Programme Contact
📧 ian.wilson@metalculture.com
📞 07849 542779
Donate
Become a Connect & Create Champion
Be part of something extraordinary. Join us in driving lasting change in Southend. Now, more than ever, we need your support to make this vision a reality.
If you would like to support in other ways or for more information on joining our supporters programme, please contact our Director, Southend, Andrea Cunningham on andrea@metalculture.com
As a registered charity we welcome all donations, however small or large, as they make a huge contribution to our activities.
