A local charity that has been helping adults with mental ill health and other vulnerabilities for over 30 years is bringing its therapeutic sessions to Haslemere. Sessions will bring a welcoming space for adults experiencing mental health difficulties and other challenges. For many people, living with mental health difficulties can be an isolating experience. The intention is these groups will help attendees experience the wellbeing benefits of the arts and creativity, to build confidence, make friends and feel part of our community.

Participants come from all walks of life. Some are young adults in their twenties, while others are in their eighties. Some members come to arts sessions for many years, finding friendship, stability and a welcoming community that has become an important part of their lives.

The History of Creative Response

Creative Response began in Farnham more than 30 years ago, offering a creative space where local people could come together through art. A charity specialising in therapeutic community arts, it has always recognised the important role that creativity and social connection can play in supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Today, its main studios are based at Vernon House in Farnham, where it runs regular art sessions throughout the week. The charity also provides accessible sessions at Farnham's Garden Gallery and Museum, alongside groups in Aldershot and dedicated sessions for refugees.

In Aldershot, sessions have developed into a thriving group, with a waiting list for places. Now the charity is bringing this approach to Haslemere, offering local residents an opportunity to benefit from its work closer to home.

What do Creative Response sessions offer?

While art is at the heart of what the charity does, its work is about much more than painting a picture or making a sculpture. It is about bringing people together, building friendships, developing confidence and creating a sense of belonging.

There is no need to have any previous artistic experience to take part in a Creative Response session. And, there is no expectation that participants should progress towards a particular artistic goal or complete a set programme. Instead, attendees are encouraged to explore their own interests and work at their own pace. Some might enjoy drawing or painting, while others prefer ceramics, sculpture, collage or experimenting with different materials.

Professional artists are on hand to provide encouragement, inspiration and practical guidance, helping participants explore their interests and discover new skills.

However, there is no pressure to produce a finished piece of work or to demonstrate artistic ability. Participants are free to work at their own pace, enjoy a conversation or simply spend time in the company of others.

For some, simply getting out of the house and spending time with others is an achievement in itself. Attending the same group each week ensures attendees can experience a sense of belonging which often proves just as valuable (if not more so) as the creative activities themselves.

Groups are deliberately kept small, with up to 12 participants supported by professional artists and volunteers.

Creative Response in Haslemere

The new weekly therapeutic art group in Haslemere will take place at the Youth Hub every Tuesday from 6th October 10 - 12.30 pm or 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm during term time. Morning, afternoon or a full day is offered. Sessions are open to adults aged 18 and over but attendees need to be referred by a health or social care professional to take part. For example, your GP or via social prescribing such as Voluntary Action Southwest Surrey.

The Haslemere group has been made possible with funding from The Challice Trust and Waverley Borough Council.

The new sessions will offer a supportive environment where participants can explore their creativity, make friends and enjoy being part of a community.

Creative Response appeal for volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting sessions and the charity is particularly keen to hear from local people who would be interested in helping out. Volunteers play an important role in helping the sessions run smoothly, supporting the professional artists and ensuring participants feel welcome and comfortable.

You do not need to be an artist, have any particular creative talent or have a background in mental health to get involved. What matters most is being friendly, approachable, patient and willing to lend a hand.

Volunteers might help set up materials before a session, assist participants with their creative activities, offer encouragement, help tidy up afterwards or simply spend time chatting with someone who would welcome a friendly face.

Professional artists remain responsible for leading the sessions, and volunteers are not expected to provide clinical support or teach art. Instead, they offer an extra pair of hands and help create the friendly, inclusive atmosphere that makes Creative Response such a special place.

Ideally, Creative Response would welcome volunteers who can commit to a full day each week of term time when their sessions run. But they recognise that this may not be possible for everyone. And so, even if you can only help with either the morning or afternoon session, they would love you to get in touch.

As the charity works with adults who may have mental health difficulties or other vulnerabilities, all volunteers will receive safeguarding training and must complete the necessary checks, including a DBS check and the provision of two references.

Volunteering with Creative Response is an incredibly rewarding role, offering the opportunity to meet new people, become part of a supportive community, and help others feel less isolated. Whether you have a lifelong love of art or have never picked up a paintbrush, your time, kindness and willingness to get involved could make a real difference to someone else's week.

To enquire about the Haslemere art sessions, volunteering opportunities or making a referral, contact Creative Response at contact@creativeresponsearts.org.