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Award-winning Credo Creative Arts Project opens doors to support local mental health

Credo is a community based creative arts initiative that changes the lives of local Bromley people with lived experience of mental ill-health.

Opening its doors once again and on a mission to help people regain confidence lost in a year-long of lockdowns, Credo gives people an opportunity to explore their potential and express themselves creatively through the medium of ceramics, in a warm and supportive environment.

Our project has been running for over 16 years and is overseen by a professional ceramicist, the 8 and 9-week courses allow people to participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities, adding flavour and colour to their lives whilst helping to reduce the stigma and isolation of mental ill health.

Creative Arts Coordinator and professional ceramicist, Jehan Haddad, explains:

“It’s been wonderful to see the studio busy now that we can finally open our doors again. It’s been an especially difficult time for people living with mental ill health with many experiencing extreme levels of anxiety and stress. Our studio provides a safe and friendly environment whilst giving people the opportunity to be creative and have fun. The finished pieces created by the participants really are wonderful, it gives people great satisfaction and pride to see their final masterpieces and it’s a joy to watch.”

Sessions, which last for two hours, can be enjoyed together with friends and family but also give participants an opportunity to meet new people, boosting confidence and helping to build new social and support networks.

Part of Ambient’s Community Engagement & Inclusion Services, the incredible impact that Credo has had on its students for so many years was fully recognised when it won the Creative Arts category at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards in 2019.

Davina Sellick, Head of Marketing and Communications at Ambient, says:

“Ambient believes that everyone is unique and deserves to live a full and meaningful life in their community, regardless of age, health or disability. Our ceramic courses provide this person-centered approach and are open to any who feel that they could benefit from exploring their creativity for an improved sense of mental wellbeing.”

Credo courses are highly recommended by participants:

“Credo is very welcoming and accessible. The small class sizes make it easy to get to know everyone and to get support from the tutor when I need it. Having a set-time to leave the house each week, socialise and learn new skills is extremely helpful for my mental and physical wellbeing and I very much looked forward to it.”

Credo sessions operate from a studio facility in St Mary’s Cray, Orpington, four days a week for a small contributory fee. Autumn courses are now open for bookings. Find out more and book your place here.   

See the new Credo Creative Arts Project video here.

To talk to us about what you need and how we can help, please get in touch.

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