Groups at The Nook

Groups at The Nook are small, gentle, and designed to nurture friendships and provide a calm, welcoming space where young people can create together in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Through shared creative projects, conversation, and encouragement, we aim to build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging whilst ensuring sessions remain relaxed and enjoyable.

For many young people, our groups offer a gentle step towards feeling more comfortable in social settings. There is no pressure to join in before they are ready — we support each young person at their own pace, helping them gradually grow in confidence, develop positive connections with others, and enjoy being part of a small creative community.

Creative Projects Group (11+)

Tuesday 1:45-2:45 (4 spaces)

Our themed creative project for young people aged 11+ changes each term, offering a fresh opportunity to explore, question, research and create together. 

The sessions are designed to encourage curiosity, imagination and independent thinking in a calm, supportive environment. Young people are invited to explore topics in ways that feel meaningful and engaging to them, with plenty of opportunity for discussion, experimentation and creative choice. We may look at fascinating historical events, natural wonders, maps and places, scientific discoveries, myths, inventions, people, environments or future possibilities — using these as inspiration for artwork, sketchbooks, sculpture, collage, painting, creative journalling and collaborative projects.

Alongside the creative learning, the project also has a strong therapeutic element. Working together in a small group encourages conversation, teamwork, friendship and a sense of belonging. Young people are supported to share ideas, listen to others, develop confidence in their own voice and build self-belief through the creative process. The relaxed pace and supportive atmosphere allow space for young people to feel heard, valued and successful without pressure or judgement.

Each young person is encouraged to shape their own final outcome based on their interests and ideas. The finished piece may take many forms — such as an illustrated book, model, artwork, map, sculpture, display piece, journal, or mixed-media project. 

Teen Creative Social 

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 (4 spaces)

Thursdays 5:45-6:45 (4 spaces)

Our Teen Creative Socials are small, welcoming creative sessions designed especially for teenagers who may find larger social spaces overwhelming or difficult to navigate.

With only a handful of young people in each group, the atmosphere stays calm, gentle and friendly, allowing friendships to develop naturally and without pressure. 

At the heart of Teen Creative Socials is the simple joy of making things together. Each term we explore exciting creative projects using a wide range of materials and ideas. The focus is not on being “good at art”, but on enjoying the process of creating, sharing ideas and building confidence alongside others.

These groups offer a gentle stepping stone into social connection for teenagers who may feel anxious, isolated or unsure in bigger groups. Conversations happen naturally through creativity, helping young people relax, laugh together and develop friendships at their own pace.

Creative Writing and Art (11+)

Wednesday 9:30-11:30 (4 spaces)

Our Creative Writing & Illustration Group is a calm, inspiring space for young teens who love stories, imagination, and creativity. Each session is designed to gently build confidence in storytelling whilst encouraging young people to explore their own ideas, interests, and creative voice.

The first hour focuses on creative writing and story development. Sessions introduce story-writing skills such as developing characters, building settings, creating tension, structuring plots, writing dialogue, and exploring atmosphere, all in a relaxed and encouraging environment where creativity comes first.

The second hour moves into art and illustration, where students bring their stories to life visually. Using a wide range of materials and techniques, they design characters, illustrate scenes, and create covers, maps, comic-style panels, and visual details related to their writing.

Over the term, each young person works towards creating their own illustrated storybook or creative project, thoughtfully combining their writing and artwork into a finished piece they can feel proud of. 

Creative Writing and Art (14+)

Wednesday 11:45-1:45 (4 spaces)

Our Creative Writing & Illustration Group for older teens offers a calm, inspiring space to explore creativity in greater depth whilst still keeping the gentle, young person-led approach.

Designed for young people aged 14+, this group encourages students to stretch their ideas, develop confidence in their own creative voice, and experiment with new skills in both writing and art.

In the writing sessions, young people are encouraged to explore a wider range of genres and styles. Alongside imaginative storytelling, we may explore poetry, nonfiction writing, script writing, descriptive writing, journaling, and reflective or themed creative projects. Sessions gently introduce more advanced writing techniques and encourage students to take creative risks, share ideas, and discover writing styles they may never have tried before.

The illustration and art element runs alongside the writing, but as its own separate creative project. Young people may explore different artists, artistic movements, materials, and creative approaches whilst developing their own personal style. Projects may include illustration, mixed media, painting, collage, sketchbook work, visual storytelling, or experimental creative techniques inspired by contemporary and historical artists.

Although the sessions are a little more structured and skills-based, creativity and wellbeing remain at the heart of the group. There is still no pressure to perform or produce perfect work. Instead, we focus on curiosity, confidence, creative expression, and helping young people feel safe enough to try something new.

Creative Writing and Art for Story Lovers (11+)

Thursday 1:00-3:00 (4 spaces)

For enthusiastic young storytellers aged 11+, this creative writing and illustration group brings together a love of storytelling, history and art.

Each project begins with an inspiring theme drawn from history, mythology, literature or fascinating real-life events. Young people might explore ancient civilisations, legendary journeys, mysterious historical figures, forgotten places, famous disasters, folklore, myths or classic stories — using these ideas as a springboard for their own imaginative writing.

The writing sessions encourage young people to think creatively, ask questions, research ideas and develop their own unique stories and characters inspired by the past. We explore different styles of storytelling while building confidence in creative writing, imagination and self-expression.

The second part of the project focuses on illustration and visual storytelling. Using a range of art materials and techniques, young people create artwork inspired by their stories — designing characters, maps, scenes, book pages, posters or illustrated journals to bring their ideas to life.

This group is ideal for young people who are passionate about stories, books, history and creativity. 

Art & Craft Club 7-11 year olds

Friday 4:15-5:15 (4 spaces) 

Our Art & Craft Club for 7–11 year olds is a gentle, welcoming group designed for young people who love to imagine, explore and create. Each session begins with a loose theme or creative idea to spark curiosity and inspiration, but from there the children are encouraged to follow their own ideas, interests and imagination.

Using a wide range of art materials, textures and craft resources, young people can experiment freely and create something uniquely their own. One child may turn cardboard into a castle, another may create a magical creature, a story scene or an invention from their imagination. The emphasis is always on creativity, choice and enjoyment rather than perfection or pressure.

Alongside the creative projects, the group is carefully designed to support friendship, confidence and social connection. Creating together provides a natural and gentle way for young people to practise communication, share ideas, work alongside others and begin building positive relationships in a calm and supportive environment.

This group is particularly suited to young people who may be new to groups, need a smaller, more nurturing setting, or would benefit from building social confidence through shared creative activities. Sessions are relaxed, encouraging and young person-led.