Doncaster charities receive £1.8million from the National Lottery in 2020

Creative Directions is a programme for adults with mental health issues which has been funded by The National Lottery for the last five years.

The group meets at The Point in Doncaster Town Centre and is run by Darts.

They are one of 60 organisations across Doncaster who have received funding in 2020. Between them they have shared £1.8 million pounds.

Lucy Robertshaw, assistant director at Darts, said: “Creative Directions helps a whole range of people.

“From people who are experiencing loneliness to more serious depression and anxiety.

“The group aims to help people maintain good mental health.”

Before the pandemic, the Creative Direction group members would meet weekly and work on art-based projects as well as socialise with each other.

They often experiment with music, drama and engage with a wide range of art.

But due to Covid-19 the group leaders have had to think outside the box.

They found that 50 per cent of their group members did not have access to technology or did not feel confident using online devices.

But many members were experiencing an increase in mental health issues due to the pandemic.

“We needed different ways to keep everyone connected,” she added.

“We've made three books created by artists which are full of activities that our members can do.

“They range from drawing to writing and have artist supplies included.”

Group leaders have hand delivered these books to around 50 group members homes during the pandemic making sure to have meaningful socially distant chats at the same time.

These books have been accompanied by phone calls, messages and post cards to maintain interaction.

In 2020 Creative Directions received £27,000 to ensure these services could continue despite the pandemic.

Two of the three books have already been distributed to group members with the third expected to be delivered in January.

Creative Directions have free resources including the artists designed books available on their website for anyone who is struggling with mental health issues.

You can find them here.

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