Creative wellbeing courses at North Somerset Libraries inspire local residents

2:45pm - 12 March 2024
A person dips their paintbrush into green paint on a colourful watercolour palette

Thanks to North Somerset libraries, people living locally have had the opportunity to boost their wellbeing while practising their creative skills through courses in painting, aromatherapy and crafting. 

Improving people’s mental health is a key focus for North Somerset Council. To help support this, North Somerset libraries recently offered several six-week courses in different creative pursuits for adults who may be struggling with their wellbeing: 

  • Aromatherapy (at the For All Healthy Living Centre Library)
  • Painting (at the Campus Library)
  • Crafts, including scrapbooking and stamp making (at Clevedon Library)

The three courses – which were funded by North Somerset Council’s public health team, and delivered by knowledgeable tutors from partnership organisations – came to an end last week. 

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Culture and North Somerset’s mental health champion, said: “These creative wellbeing courses were a fantastic initiative. I hope everyone who joined these sessions found them beneficial, and perhaps even discovered a new passion. 

“These courses are one of the many excellent services provided through our libraries. If you’d like to become a member, please visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries.”  

Councillor Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Health, said: “Creative pursuits can be a lifesaver, sometimes literally. Supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing is a priority for us. These relaxed group art sessions provided a great opportunity to meet new people, try out different crafts and unwind in their communities. The courses are free of charge, why not give it a go?

“We’re currently seeking feedback on our five-year Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy, and we’re keen to hear your views. You can find the strategy and the survey at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/mhstrategy.”  

For anyone who would like to join future courses, the team are hoping to run another six-week painting course. They will also be offering four standalone aromatherapy workshops at several libraries, which will be running on Saturday mornings in April and May. When details are confirmed, people will be able to sign up via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/creative-wellbeing-courses-2987049.

Follow the North Somerset Libraries team on social media at Facebook (nslibraries), Instagram (northsomersetlibraries) and X (nsomlibraries) for more details.