Creativity for Wellbeing
At The Nook, we cherish creativity as a way for young people to express themselves and build self-belief and confidence. We genuinely believe everyone can create with a paintbrush or a pen! Our focus is always on the individual, meeting them exactly where they are. Some young people enjoy the freedom that creativity offers, while others may find it more challenging to embrace that freedom. We aim to gently and kindly help every young person find the ability to express themselves through creative writing and art, allowing them to thrive.
Art for Wellbeing
Art for wellbeing, or therapeutic art, is a wonderful practice that uses artistic techniques to nurture mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It involves engaging with art as a way to express, reflect, and heal. The main aim is to foster personal growth and support emotional wellbeing through creative exploration.
When young people are empowered to create, inspired to ignite their imagination, and feel safe to explore without fear of judgement, wonderful changes occur. Art can bring calm during busy moments, help them concentrate deeply, accept themselves, and take pride in their creations. It's a beautiful way for young people to understand and manage their emotions and overall wellbeing.
Of course, art doesn’t always turn out as planned, but seeing ‘mistakes’ as part of the learning process, working through challenges together, and understanding that neither art nor life is about perfection teach important life lessons!
At The Nook, our art projects are thoughtfully designed to boost confidence, build friendships, and create a welcoming sense of belonging. We love sharing ideas, offering choices, supporting each other, and marvelling at the many different creative approaches to a single project. Our small, gentle, and friendly groups are ideal for those who prefer a peaceful, nurturing, and creative environment. While we do teach skills, the main focus is on experimenting, gaining confidence, and applying what we learn in creative ways. Our goal is to inspire every young person to approach art with enthusiasm, embrace their unique style, and celebrate both their own and the group's achievements.
‘At a time when the mental health of children and young people is of concern, there is ample evidence of the value and importance of creativity in supporting wellbeing. Young people can find strength, inspiration, consolation and community in their shared experience of creativity.’ (Durham Commission on Creativity and Education)
‘I found I could say things with colours and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.’
Georgia O’Keefe
Creative Writing for Wellbeing
Creative writing for wellbeing, also called therapeutic writing, means writing to help heal emotions and improve wellbeing. Studies show that regular writing like this can improve mental health by lowering anxiety through emotional release and new ways of thinking.
At The Nook, we understand that hearing the phrase ‘creative writing' might make some young people hesitant to join us. We believe in taking gentle, encouraging steps to help everyone feel comfortable. Our goal is to support each young person so they can reach a place where writing feels freeing and can become a joyful, even healing, experience.
We offer a variety of resources designed to spark imagination, bring fun into the process, and build confidence.
Writing is a wonderful way to create stories and poems, process life events, record feelings, and express oneself. It doesn’t need to be shared or spoken aloud; it can be personal, imaginative, and brilliant! It can feel freeing, exciting, and full of hope.
