Craft4Smiles C.I.C.

Craft4Smiles C.I.C. is a crafting community that provides inclusive, accessible high quality creative papercraft and mixed media online programmes for adults. Our courses are social and interactive whether delivered online or in-person. Our aim is to introduce and build crafting skills, improve wellbeing and to develop the basic skills needed for success in the workplace and at home, including self-confidence, problem solving, communicating in a group, basic maths and English. We teach over 45 different paper craft and mixed media techniques. Each course is carefully constructed to help you develop your crafting skills and knowledge.  

Crafting and our courses are mindful, taking us away from the day-to-day. Participants have consistently reported improvements in their wellbeing.  Anyone who wants to learn new skills can join our programmes.  No previous experience of papercrafting or mixed media work is needed. We have delivered courses successfully in Cambridgeshire for 6 1/2 years and have worked with 280 Cambridges residents during this time. 86% of participants state that what we offer has helped to improve their wellbeing. 75% state that it has made a positive difference to their daily lives.  

• Quilling: 10 sessions/weeks
• Introduction to Paper Craft and Mixed Media: 10 sessions/weeks
• Memory Book: 3 sessions/weeks
• Memory Album: 3 sessions/weeks

Enrolling

Turning up to online sessions’

Having the equipment provided – so very well organised.

The way the sessions were run encompassing everyone’s different pace and abilities.

The welcoming atmosphere at the sessions.

We all achieved the week’s task.

This was important as

I was struggling and would not have been able to deal with another thing, or complication, or something for me - so would have opted out.

I was giving so much of myself elsewhere, to feel valued and be looked after was comforting, motivating and energising. 

The lack of money doesn’t prevent attending.

I felt welcomed in the group, whichever group I attended, and built-up rapport with the others in an easy going light hearted way – it was fun.

I felt able to undertake the activity and supported throughout the session– Gray is just brilliant.

This had a positive impact

 There was no negative impact on me. I am grateful the sessions lasted as long as they did which I appreciate is difficult. It gave me time to feel the maximum benefit of improved mental health and general wellbeing, confidence building, skill and creativity development, and helping me to deal with everything else that was going on in my life.

Specific

When the flyer for the course was emailed me at work on a general circulation I read it and thought it sounded like something I needed and would like to do. I felt so drawn to it I contacted you to see if I was eligible. I was so very tired. Worn out with two years of covid emergency response work on top of my day job, pretty much spending 7-7 at my computer each day. In addition my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I decided to leave work in March 2022 to spend more time with her and care for her and support her children.

Another member of my family was struggling with her mental health and I needed to spend more time with and supporting her too. Taking early retirement had a significant impact on my finances as I was only 60 and this was going to put pressure on us but as a family we agreed where my priorities needed to be. I was feeling overwhelmed, anxious and very low.

The accessible, friendly, welcoming, creative space helped me cope. Initially it was time for me. Then it was something to look forward to and something to share. It was fun, relaxing and easy to lose yourself in making something and learning new skills. When things deteriorated for me, it was a constant and a safe, supportive environment. We may not have met the other participants in person but we soon bonded and cared for each other. It was Ok to turn up and not talk, not have your camera on, or to share sad news or how you were feeling. I will miss it and need to continue to carve out time for me to maintain the benefits going forward.