In these stressful and uncertain times many of us are turning to new hobbies as a way to let off steam and learn a new skill. Create you is a local group based in Highbridge Somerset and was founded in 2019 stemming from a long held and widely practised belief of therapeutic art.
Create You founder Leila Browning says : “After struggling with mental health issues myself I started on my creative journey to finding a way to use art as a form of self-help.
Having found something that worked for me I wanted to share this with others who also struggled with their mental wellbeing, I then conducted lots of research until the idea was born.
Creating art relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, increases brain function by using problem solving skills and imparts other mental health benefits. Creating art provides a distraction, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts, and you may find yourself in what is known as ‘the zone’ or a state of ‘flow’ which is what ties it in nicely with mindfulness
It was important that Create You was an all-inclusive company, having worked in the autistic sector for a while, I realised the how important it was that anyone visiting and joining groups would be able to feel part of something regardless of their abilities.
Create You has been designed especially to be a safe and welcoming space for all.
In these unusual and stressful times people need that escape and we’ve found our classes more in demand than ever.
We believe that during lockdown people were given time to be creative and have a new understanding of the importance of taking some time out for ourselves.”
Create You offers a wide range of groups. There is something for everyone from Adults to children from beginners to more advanced artists. This is what they have to offer on a weekly basis;
Monday Art for Adults 10.00 – 11.30am,
Creative Kids 5.00 – 7.00pm
Tuesday Art for Adults 7.30 – 9.00pm
Wednesday Men Only! 11.00 – 12.30pm
Young Artists 5.00 – 7.00pm
Thursday Home Education Group, Art 10.00 – 12 noon
Friday Artists and Crafters Unite 10.30 – 12 noon
Create You also offer workshops ranging from china decoration, beading, pyrography, felting and printmaking, to name just a few.
When asked what impact Covid has had on the creative groups that they host. Leila Browning said;
“Like most businesses, Covid has made this a challenging year. we’ve been running groups and live events on Facebook, even doing paint-alongs via Facebook live! We have managed to rearrange our creative centre to comply fully with government guidelines, and we expect to be able to continue our groups as planned.”
2021 is going to be a extremely exciting year for Create You here is what they have planned for the new year;
“2021 will see us expanding our repertoire, adding new classes in even more diverse areas, and we are even going to be able to offer a space for graffiti artists! We are also going to be offering corporate team building events and giving hen parties the opportunity to create some beautiful beaded decorations they can wear to the wedding. We are always working on new ideas, and we have no shortage of them”
If you are interested in what Create You has to offer but do not live locally then do not fear
“Going forward, we envisage franchising Create You into other parts of the country, so watch out, we may be coming to you soon!”
If you have any creative activity in mind, please feel free to contact us, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas.
Create You; tel 01278 767411
Email; www.createyou.art@outlook.com
Facebook/Insta @createyou.uk
web www.createyou.uk
Facebook Groups: CreateYou-Creative community
CreateYou-online gallery