Based in Doncaster, Sew Mindful Crafts was set up to bring people together, reduce isolation, build positive mental health and resilience, teach new skills, build confidence, and reduce material waste.

They applied for a £10,000 grant through the Know Your Neighbourhood fund, distributed by Creative Lives, to run 'Give Your Brain a Break' - a community quilt project to connect people in Doncaster living with any form of mental health condition.

The remarkable testimonials below demonstrate the power of connecting people via creativity, with participants' lives changed for the better as a result of taking part in the project.

The project plan

"We wanted people to learn how to use a sewing machine, and to design and create their own section of a quilt," explains project lead, Michael Perry. "These individual sections would then be pieced together to create five large quilts on a range of themes, showcasing individuality but also symbolising that participants are not alone, and that they belong to something."

What happened?

Sew Mindful Crafts ran 60 activity sessions, during which participants designed - and then made - quilt sections inspired by various aspects of Doncaster. One quilt depicts Doncaster Museum, another was themed around the city's former mining industry, one was inspired by Doncaster Racecourse, and two of them captured the city's cultural and sporting attractions.

“The project brought together so many people from different backgrounds, cultures and ages," says Michael. "Friendships were created and still continue. Some participants hadn’t connected with the ‘outside world’ for quite some time, whether due to illness, isolation, or anxiety - but once they stepped through the door and immersed themselves in the project they thoroughly enjoyed it.”

How did the project change participant's lives?

In the words of four people who took part, the project did much more than simply teach them how to make quilts . . .

“I've suffered with bad anxiety for many years and tried various medications, CBT and hypnotherapy with no results. I was recommended to try some workshops at Sew Mindful Crafts, and I was so nervous about attending that I very nearly didn't. But I pushed myself and I'm so pleased I did. Within half an hour I felt relaxed, my shoulders dropped and I stopped clenching my jaw - I was just lost in using a sewing machine. Everyone in the group was supportive and I soon realised I wasn't the only person who felt like I did. It was the first time in a long time that I felt normal. I’m hooked!”

“What can I say? Wow! I have attended several craft groups but Sew Mindful Crafts is the best place I have ever been. Great support, environment, equipment and set-up. And super friendly - the work these people are doing for the community is just amazing. I suffer from PTSD and other mental health conditions, and this project is helping me so much. I look forward to attending workshops here as often as I can.”

“This place is amazing. I can honestly say that after attending these workshops my confidence and mental health have improved to the point that I have now reduced my medication for anxiety and depression for the first time in many years. The staff and supportive environment is first class. I would 100% recommend this place.”

“I was very reluctant at first to take part in this community quilt project, as my sewing isn’t the best and I have never done anything like this before. But all the members of this group and staff are so supportive and encouraging. The quilt looked stunning when it was finished and I’m so pleased I took part. Not only did this boost my confidence, but it’s got me into sewing and attending more workshops at Sew Mindful Crafts. I have even offered my time to volunteer on other projects.”

How did the project change Sew Mindful Crafts?

“We have gained more volunteers at Sew Mindful Crafts due to carrying out this project," says Michael. "People simply said ‘I don’t want to leave’ and were grateful for how the project helped them back out of their shell, and gave them a new zest for life and an interest/hobby again.

"The new volunteers are grateful for how the project has helped them and, in turn, want to ‘give back’ by helping in other aspects of the organisation.”

To find out more about Sew Mindful Crafts, and the work they do, visit https://sewmindfulcrafts.co.uk