Coinciding with Children’s Mental Health Week (last week), the Crafts Council and Hobbycraft 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 were handed out to families in the community by Artswork, to ensure those most in need can enjoy the mental health benefits that crafting brings.
Providing children with hours of happiness and escapism
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. 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.
A good way to ease stress
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. 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.
What’s included
The Hobbycraft craft packs include 1,000 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.
Govier: Many parents don’t have access to creative resources for children
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.”
Dewar: Far more people in need than there should be
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!”
Paterson: It might just trigger off a love of craft that lasts a lifetime
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.
News shared by Abi on behalf of Artswork. Ed
Image: © Ellie Simpson
