Chris from Coventry had lived with loneliness for most of her life since developing epilepsy as a child. Presented with the diagnosis and further challenges, misunderstandings and stigma at a young age, her mental health was affected.
She says: “My life journey has given me understanding, empathy and compassion for others facing similar issues. I wanted to help others but didn’t know how or where to start.”
In 2019, an encounter with Grapevine on an organised walk in her local park showed Chris how a group of like-minded people could bring about the change they wanted to see and support each other in leading that change. This became the catalyst for ‘Creative Kindness’.
Creative Kindness creates things to share with others so they too feel valued. A core team of five people quickly grew, meeting weekly to craft, chat and laugh together.
Friendships formed around a common purpose. There was a role for everyone.
Chris continues: “We realised very early on that no-one is strong enough in every area so it was important to get the right team together. This makes the difference.
“We overcame self doubt and lack of confidence by leaning on each other’s strengths together with our enablers, Grapevine.”
Their first weekly arts and crafts session launched at Coventry Central Library in May 2019.
Grapevine community organiser Melissa Smith was involved from the start. She says: “This is a piece of work I am very proud to have worked on as it has brought me and the people of Coventry much joy!”
Creative Kindness expanded rapidly after pandemic restrictions were lifted with new groups in other libraries, cafes and public spaces.
There are currently 13 groups running six days a week, including one for staff at a secondary school and another for university students, aiming to integrate them into a multi-generational ‘family’ while away from home.
Up to 100 members now attend each week.
They have a ten-step development plan for members who want to progress from attending a craft session, to helping others, to assisting in leading a session and eventually becoming a session leader. It all depends on their individual comfort level.
Creative Kindness has a clear vision for the future too – a session in every city library, more leaders and a solid infrastructure, and continuing to develop and nurture their members and leaders.
Sparking Community
More about our Sparking Community work can be found here. Read our five-year strategy here.