Better Connect Creative Wellbeing Workshops

Ongoing

Check out our over 18's Creative Wellbeing Workshops for Better Connect.

A group of five adults stand around a table during a papermaking workshop. They dip wooden mesh frames into a water-filled basin and press pulp onto the screens. Craft materials and colourful decorations fill the background.

Contexts:

Arts and Health / Carers

Key Partners:

North Tyneside Libraries

VODA

People:

Jos Forester-Melville / Katie Jayne Appleyard

Tags:

About our Creative Wellbeing workshops

Need some time for yourself?

Join our Creative Health programme—weekly creative workshops designed to support your health and wellbeing through art, connection, and relaxation.

Led by professional artists, sessions include a mix of artforms such as ceramics, animation, painting, pewter work and more. No experience needed—just a willingness to try something new and enjoy the process.

These workshops offer:

A calming space to unwind and recharge
A chance to meet others in a friendly, inclusive environment
Creative activities tailored to your interests and needs

Open to adults (18+) living with mild physical or mental health challenges, which may include:

Anxiety or depression
Visual or hearing impairments
Mobility difficulties
Physical disabilities
Learning disabilities
Long-term conditions

We’re here to help you express yourself, connect with others – one creative step at a time.

Our Current Offer

Wellbeing Wanders for Summer

Two people are standing on a woodland trail, looking closely at a colourful sign mounted on a wooden post. The sign features bold, artistic lettering in white against a vivid pink and purple background that reads: “The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.” Below the quote, smaller text mentions “Tranquil Trail” and invites reflection with prompts like “What can you taste?” and “Maybe you’ve brought a picnic today?” along with a QR code. A small purple arrow sign points along the path. The pair—one carrying a bag and phone, the other wearing a blue backpack—appear engaged and smiling, surrounded by trees and earthy ground, suggesting a calm, mindful outdoor experience.

Photo © Mark Pinder

Get into nature and get creative this summer. Take time out, meet other people, try a range of artforms to support and improve your wellbeing.

Book a place or drop-in after work.

No experience necessary, Adults 18+. Self-referrals welcome.

Workshops are free to access.

Book here now

September Walks

Immerse yourself in Nature with Freddy Worrell

Join artist Freddy Worrell to use nature as your paint brush. Work with Freddy to create your own artworks and connect with the environment around you.

Thursday 3 September 2026, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Weetslade Country Park, Great Lime Road, Wideopen, NE23 7LZ

Free parking available.

Book Weetslade here

Creative Writing Wellbeing Wander with Melina Deeks

Take inspiration from the world around you and let your words flow onto the page.

Friday 11 September, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Northumberland Park, Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 2ES

Roadside parking available.

Book Northumberland Park here

Photography Wellbeing Wander with Sarah McConkey

Learn to use your phone to take amazing snaps while out in nature.

Monday 14 September 2026, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Whitley Bay Beach, Meet at Rendezvous Cafe, The Links Whitley Bay, NE26 1TP

Parking available.

Book Whitley Bay Beach here

Creative Writing with Helen Bowen

Are you a budding creative writer or someone who wants a new way to express themselves?

Never say never, give it a try.

Join artist Helen Bowen for new creative writing sessions that spark imagination, build confidence and allow you to have fun with the written word.

Whether you’re new to writing or returning to it, these sessions will give you time to pause, reflect and enjoy the simple act of putting pen to paper.

You’ll be guided through accessible writing invitations and prompts that help you unwind, express yourself and discover fresh ways to feel connected.

If you are wondering if this artform is for you, did you know creative writing can…

Help you explore and express yourself in different ways
Be reflective and be mindful
Allow you to listen and support peers
Give your memory a boost
Reduce stress through letting the imagination flow

Workshops will run weekly. There’s no pressure to attend every week – if you can’t make a session, please let us know. Each week we will release any spare spots for anyone who wants to pop in for a try.

Tuesday 29 September 2026 – Tuesday 8 December 2026 (No session on Tuesday 27 October 2026)
12.30pm – 2.30pm
Helix Arts, North Shields, NE30 1NT

Workshops are open to those 18+. No prior experience required.
Priority places are for brand new participants.

Starting September, we’re adding a mini “cuppa and catchup” after every session – to sip, natter, and get to know everyone.

Creative writing Better connect poster

How to book?

If you are interested in any of our workshops, you can book a space on Ticket Source.

Spaces are limited and book quickly. If you are unsuccessful, please join the waiting list for the workshop you’re interested in and we will contact you as places come available.

All places can be booked as either a self-referral or clinician/social prescriber/link worker referral.

Upon booking, please make sure you complete our Participant Registration Form to confirm your space. The form collects a variety of information, including your contact details, emergency contact, basic health and medical information, equality, diversity and inclusion data, and photograph consent information.

If you are unable to book digitally, feel free to give us a call on 0191 241 4931 to book.

Got any questions? Please contact admin@helixarts.com or give us a call.

Book a workshop here

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more, get involved as a partner, volunteer or refer someone to the programme please contact us.

Contact

0191 241 4931

Admin@helixarts.com

Related projects

Better Connect: Creative Health Programme