Art group helps Doncaster people who experience mental health problems

Jamie Rossa, the participation co-coordinator of Creative Directions, said: “It’s a loose social therapy which enables people to come and help themselves.

“It benefits people to be in a group, it raises their confidence and helps them feel relaxed.

“I’ve had people say to me ‘this is the only place I can come to.’”

The group is run on a Wednesday, there are two sessions every week.

One is a morning drop in 10am - 12pm and the afternoon class is at 1.30 - 3.30pm.

All forms of art are welcome - participants work on things such as knitting, colouring, writing novels and painting.

Their afternoon classes have covered visual arts, dance, drama, film making, photography, sculpting and felting.

Jamie said: “It gets people involved in activities in a safe and secure space.

“Everyone needs help at some point in their lives.”

Creative Directions has been running at The Point for around three years and is funded by the Big Lottery Project.

Their art groups are open to anyone with mental health issues who would benefit from being in a group setting.

Sally Renolds has been a volunteer for Creative Directions for three years, she said: “There’s a special kind of magic that happens here - you really see people blossom.

“We’re not trained therapists but we have a lot of relevant experience and the results have always been positive.”

Phil Maginn has been coming to the group for just over one year.

He said: “I’ve made a lot of friends and my confidence is coming back slowly.

“They can’t get rid of me now they feel like family and everyone looks after each other.”

Kate Richardson is a support worker who attends the group, she said: “It makes such a positive difference - it’s much needed and there should be more groups like this in Doncaster.”