Are you a carer in need of a little rejuvenation?
26 September 2018
Rejuvenate! celebrates its first birthday
A year ago, Maggie Sanderson and Lisa Woakes used their own experiences as family carers and a shared interest in arts and crafts to launch Rejuvenate!, a fantastic creative carers' group in Hereford.
The group received backing from Herefordshire Carers, which enabled them to access initial funding and reach out to other local carers, while The Courtyard Hereford kindly provided an uplifting venue in which to meet each month.
Maggie Sanderson told WISH that “at the heart of the group is a relaxed, guided space where carers can kickstart their creativity, share ideas and make time for themselves. Time spent on our own mental wellbeing enables us to better manage our caring role and, hopefully, the two hours we offer every month, goes some way to making carers' lives a little easier….It’s also creatively rewarding!
“We’re passionate about making our group a successful community based venture and a popular, well attended haven, where carers can walk away feeling both refreshed and rejuvenated!”
The activities on offer include:
A year ago, Maggie Sanderson and Lisa Woakes used their own experiences as family carers and a shared interest in arts and crafts to launch Rejuvenate!, a fantastic creative carers' group in Hereford.
The group received backing from Herefordshire Carers, which enabled them to access initial funding and reach out to other local carers, while The Courtyard Hereford kindly provided an uplifting venue in which to meet each month.
Maggie Sanderson told WISH that “at the heart of the group is a relaxed, guided space where carers can kickstart their creativity, share ideas and make time for themselves. Time spent on our own mental wellbeing enables us to better manage our caring role and, hopefully, the two hours we offer every month, goes some way to making carers' lives a little easier….It’s also creatively rewarding!
“We’re passionate about making our group a successful community based venture and a popular, well attended haven, where carers can walk away feeling both refreshed and rejuvenated!”
The activities on offer include:
- Mixed media art
- Needlecraft, including hand stitching and crochet
- Interesting ways with fabric
- Block printing, collage and journaling
- Local guest speakers (which always proves very popular!)
The group also takes advantage of the many kits available from The Courtyard’s Creative Ageing Team, as they’ve enrolled as 'Creative Champions'.
Maggie added “there’s been increased media coverage recently about the new Secretary of State for Health’s pledge of £4.5million for GP social prescribing. At a local level, there’s a real focus on reducing loneliness and social isolation with collaborative community work and we’re encouraged by local interest in setting up similar groups across Herefordshire.
“We definitely think Rejuvenate! ticks the right boxes in offering a safe and welcoming environment, which advocates wellbeing, self-help and friendship, and hopefully helps so many carers across the county.”
It’s an exciting time for Rejuvenate!, so if you want to get in touch and find out more or book them to talk to your local group, simply send them an e-mail to rejuvenate@creativecarergroup.co.uk.
Autumn / winter 2018 programme
October
Completing the appliqué and hand embroidery stitch bags and making a dream catcher or weave, using locally sourced willow.
November
Making buckle brooches / keyrings and starting on Christmas cards, using different media.
December
A Christmas themed workshop with local textile artist Lizzie Godden, which will be a popular treat for the group.
Here's a sample of some of the lovely work produced by the group over the last 12 months...
Completing the appliqué and hand embroidery stitch bags and making a dream catcher or weave, using locally sourced willow.
November
Making buckle brooches / keyrings and starting on Christmas cards, using different media.
December
A Christmas themed workshop with local textile artist Lizzie Godden, which will be a popular treat for the group.
Here's a sample of some of the lovely work produced by the group over the last 12 months...
