It's all happening at Bridport Community Shed where a new crafting course has launched aimed at those on a low income, with low mood or social anxiety.

The Jurassic Coast Social Prescribing team enjoyed a lino-printing workshop there; working with Tara Harland Viney, members of the team learnt how to etch into lino before printing their images. The taster session was designed as an opportunity for them to gain an insight into the forthcoming crafting course that will be running at the Shed on Thursday afternoons.

The course is aimed at those who, for whatever reason, find accessing groups and courses difficult. Entrance to the course is free. The course will be delivered by two experienced tutors Rowan Beacham and Tara Harland Viney and will have a maximum of six participants. The focus will be for participants to enjoy a relaxed gentle session where they can enjoy exploring a range of materials and techniques.

The course promises to involve an inspiring a range of craft activities; mosaic, collage,up-cycling materials and beach finds, sand casting, lino-printing, lanterns, candlestick holders, as well as drawing and painting. Tutors will be there to guide individuals through activities and will be keen to support participants at their own pace. It is hoped that people who can’t afford mainstream courses can feel inspired to come along as well as those who struggle with low mood or social anxiety.

Eileen Haste the Shed trustee co-ordinating the course said: “Of course we won’t be asking people to declare any personal information about their mental health unless they want to. This course is simply a shout-out to those people who could do with a little tlc. The Community Shed is such a fantastic resource and asset for the town and we’re eager that we try to reach out to those members of the community who haven’t yet visited us. With this course we will be offering support to those who need that little bit of extra input to feel happy to come along. It’s been a challenging time for people. We hope that this course can offer a little something positive for people.”

There is a growing awareness that being together in a safe atmosphere while also being occupied in an activity can be beneficial for individuals and their well-being. Since opening up in May 2021 the Shed’s three-weekly session have grown to be busy hives of activity. It is clear that there is a need for people to come together to share time together and of course have a cup of tea.

The Jurassic Coast Social Prescribing Team work in partnership with GPs to support mental health and wellbeing in the community.

Pauline Chart, a member of the team said: “We have people with a great range of needs referred into our service and I am always confident that those I signpost to the Community Shed will receive a warm welcome and be made to feel fully included from the outset. Arts and crafts offer people a fantastic opportunity to express themselves as well as learning a new skill and meeting new people. It can be ideal for people who may be anxious about venturing out and socialising. As the activity is the main focus, conversation is likely to flow more easily over a shared experience. It can be so therapeutic. I feel that the group’s aim to offer subsidised spaces to those most in need is fantastic. It really does sum up their ethos of aiming to ensure that the Community Shed is accessible to everyone, no matter who they are or whatever their circumstances.”

The Shed is in Bridport town centre along from Mountfield Town Council next to the flower gardens. The course runs from 1pm-2.45 on Thursday afternoons and is free. Donations to the Shed are welcome. For more information about the course or about how the Shed can support you to access the sessions, email bridport communityshed@gmail.com or call Eileen on 07879 280334.