NetPark Wellbeing Project Update:
NetPark Wellbeing is a partnership project between Southend City Council (SCC) and Metal, with SCC providing critical funding, staffing and in-house support. We see first-hand the impact NetPark Wellbeing has on the people who use it. After hearing news of the threat to the project’s funding, as part of council-wide savings, we are pleased to learn that some support might be possible from SCC. Until we have more details of what is being offered, we don’t know what is feasible for the service beyond spring 2024. We are thankful for the outpouring of support from NetPark Wellbeing’s participants, other local residents and council staff to try to keep it going.
The NetPark Wellbeing project is separate from the NetPark digital project.
Since 2016, the Netpark Wellbeing Project has offered a free support system for people living with mental health and wellbeing concerns, creating a safe space for our community to make friends and explore their creativity. Among our past and present courses, we have hosted opportunities with groups including Macmillan, Open Arts, Project49, REACH Recovery, Nazareth House, St Christophers School and many more.
Emma Mills who co-ordinates the programme with Ian Wilson said, “We aim to encourage people who may feel isolated, anxious, lonely or depressed to come and talk to us about having a go with the NetPark digital apps, create their own artworks, make friends and have some fun with us.”
The project is FREE and open to both individuals and community/education groups.
Sessions are typically on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s (Mornings from 10am – 12pm / Afternoons from 1pm – 3pm). Please check dates and times before arrival.
For more information about how to get involved, please contact Emma Mills on emma.mills@metalculture.com / 01702 470700
You can also fill out our NetPark Wellbeing self-referral form here.
Thank you for your patience while waiting to hear from us. We are currently in a transition phase, which we hope will allow us to offer more in the future. During this time, we have temporarily paused our groups, but we aim to resume as soon as possible. Once we are back up and running, we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know when you can join us.