Community Hubs
The Arts Well Community Hubs Project delivered creative wellbeing sessions across Cornwall from July 2024 to January 2025, supporting people experiencing mental or physical health challenges, loneliness, and social isolation. Through activities such as ceramics, music, dance, and textiles, the project brought communities together, improved confidence and mood, and reduced reliance on NHS services. With strong volunteer involvement, engaged artists, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, the project demonstrated the powerful impact of creative health initiatives and highlighted the need for sustained, long-term funding to meet growing community demand.
Overview
The Arts Well Community Hubs Project delivered creative health and wellbeing sessions across Cornwall from July 2024 to January 2025. Funded by Levelling Up (£56,592), Cornwall ICB, and the Cornwall Community Fund (£31,288), the project supported individuals experiencing mental or physical health challenges, isolation, and social disadvantage.
Project Delivery
The planning and funding approval took place from late 2023 to mid-2024. The first sessions began in July 2024, with all hubs fully active by September. Twenty creative practitioners worked across 9 community hubs, and evaluation was carried out in February 2025.
Aims and Approach
The project aimed to boost wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and improve mental and physical health through accessible creative activities including ceramics, textiles, dance, music, and painting. Sessions were developed collaboratively with participants to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
Who Benefited
Participants included families, older adults, people with mental health needs, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse people, and others experiencing social isolation. The project created welcoming, inclusive spaces across Cornwall.
Key Impacts
Wellbeing and Mental Health
– 80% of participants reported improved mood and wellbeing
– 60% reported increased confidence
– 100% had met new people.
– 96% enjoyed the workshops, citing creative skills and social connection.
Physical Health and NHS Impact
– Participants reported increased physical activity, often involved in walking to the sessions
– 36.5% reported reduced use of NHS services, with some reporting reduced medication
– 93% felt more positive about local support and opportunities available.
Community Connection
The hubs strengthened community cohesion, building friendships and fostering a sense of belonging.
The Why Don’t You? Saturday Group from CN4C
Legacy
The project left a lasting positive impact, with volunteers moving into paid creative roles, ongoing engagement in community hubs, and widespread desire for continued creative health initiatives.
Conclusion
The Arts Well Community Hubs Project demonstrated significant improvements in mental health, physical wellbeing, and community connection. It highlights the crucial role of creative health in reducing inequalities and the importance of sustained investment to meet growing demand.
You can read the final report here.
Camborne Cluster Children's Summer Clubs