Artswork selected as one of the nine UK partners to distribute Hobbycraft crafts packs to local children
Date Created: 9th Feb 2023
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To coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week (6th – 12th February), the Crafts Council and Hobbycraft have announced a UK-wide initiative, Let’s Craft, aimed at providing 15,000 craft kits to children in need.
Across the South East, craft packs will be handed out to families in the community by Artswork, to ensure those most in need can enjoy the mental health benefits that crafting brings.
Whilst creativity can feel like a low priority during a cost-of-living crisis, it has been proven to provide children with hours of happiness and escapism. Among those aged six to 16 in England, one in six had a probable mental health condition in 2021 (1). From having difficulties in social situations, to finding school work overwhelming, when left unresolved, these feelings of stress can then go on to cause a wide array of other issues, such as anxiety, mood swings, sleeping issues and weight gain.
However, getting creative has been proven to ease stress and help children release pent-up emotions they might be feeling in their day-to-day life (2). Activities like drawing or painting, for example, reduce levels of cortisol in the brain – a hormone typically associated with stress. Because of this, these hobbies can then limit the onset of mental health conditions in later life, like anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
The Hobbycraft craft packs include 1000 pieces to help little ones develop their creativity, cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination and more. Included in the packs are pom poms, chenille stems, foam sheets, fabric flowers, wooden people, plastic mosaics, glitter bottles, wooden matchsticks, paint pots, paper plates and more. From making their own monsters to crafting cards, or collages, the pack brings children a more fun mix of craft materials and essentials that are certain to kickstart endless craft projects.
Louise Govier, Chief Executive at Artswork comments: “We are very proud to be able to support the Let’s Craft appeal by providing a wide range of craft kits to kids in our local community. We know how much it means to families in the area, especially during the school holidays, as many don’t have access to creative resources for children.”
Nicky Dewar, the Director of Learning and Skills at Crafts Council comments: “Sadly, there are far more people in need in 2023 than there should be. Because of this, we know that many families are unable to provide even basic crafting materials for their children to enjoy. With half term fast approaching, we’re glad to play a small part in helping children to unlock their creativity and we can’t wait to see what brilliant creations the children come up with!”
Katherine Paterson, the Customer Director at Hobbycraft comments: “This year, we are delighted to be sending out 15,000 craft packs to families in need. Our craft kits can help develop children’s creativity, cognitive skills, and hand-eye coordination, and who knows, it might just trigger off a love of craft that lasts a lifetime.”
If you’d like to help even more families across the South East enjoy these craft kits, please donate to the Let’s Craft appeal https://donorbox.org/let-s-craft.
REFERENCES
NHS mental health of children and young people in England 2022 stats
How arts can help improve your mental health
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