The Therapeutic Benefits of Creative Groups at Youldon House

At Youldon House this week, we welcomed 15 participants for another afternoon of creativity,

community, and connection. Fifteen people painted their clay tealight holders, while one gentleman, who hadn’t been able to attend the previous week, crafted his own holder from scratch. Spare tealights were also available for those who wanted to join in, ensuring everyone could take part.

The atmosphere was a wonderful balance of laughter, chatter, and quiet concentration. Stories

flowed as people shared memories – from drawing spitfires to working in a banana factory where spiders made a surprise appearance! The session ended with a sing-song of Que Sera Sera, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, and My Dad’s a Dustbin Man – a new one for many of us, but quickly picked up.

Beyond the fun, sessions like this have real occupational therapy benefits:

• Creativity & focus – Activities such as clay and painting encourage problem-solving, fine motor skills, and give participants the satisfaction of creating something tangible.

• Cognitive stimulation – Recalling and sharing stories helps keep memory and thinking skills active.

• Social connection – Group activities reduce loneliness, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging.

• Emotional wellbeing – Laughter, music, and creativity help lift mood and reduce stress.

• Choice & empowerment – Everyone completed a checklist of activities they’d enjoy in future sessions, ensuring the weekly plan reflects the group’s interests and preferences.

Thanks to Justine securing funding, the sessions are affordable for everyone, with only a £1 contribution. This makes it possible for more people to enjoy meaningful, therapeutic activities within their community.

We’re already looking forward to next week’s session on Tuesday 30th September, 2–3pm, where we’ll be making Halloween crafts together. These groups are open to all – so if you’re curious, why not come along, join in, and see the benefits for yourself?