The Covid 19 pandemic has taken a profound toll on everyone’s mental health. Many of the people and community group members that the Supporting Communities team (SICAP) are in contact with are discussing the higher levels of stress than usual that they are facing. People are greatly missing getting out and meetings with friends in the community. As the Winter months are approaching it is inevitable that people will struggle with the loneliness and isolation.
The team proposed a project of hosting Community Online Art classes. The project will take place on zoom over a 4-week period, with a morning class and evening class, so community members can organise which is more suitable for them. Art has proven to relieve stress, be therapeutic and act as a form of meditation.
The classes were open to people from all community groups to attend online, particularly for community members who are finding it difficult during Covid. Group Members from Hope Cottage Support Group also attended. We contacted TRIBE Art studio who are available to deliver online Art classes and were delighted to support people’s wellbeing.
Speaking to Nicola, the Community Development Outreach Support worker when they completed the first lot of online art with community members and had this to share:
Often as we head into the Winter months and the dark evenings start to settle in , going to your local Community social group for a chat, an activity and a bit of fun helps us all to stay connected. However due to Level 5 restrictions this year it isn’t possible, as keeping each other safe is everyone’s priority.
The Online Wellbeing Art group which has begun this week with Tribe Art Studios in Castledermot, was a treat to attend, and with people attending from all over the county of Kildare, it is a great and new way for people to have some fun, relax and stay connected during these worrying times.
Everyone can relax in their own homes, in their own space and do something creatively to escape and relax and release some of the stress.
If these lovely pictures are from Week 1 we cannot wait to see the masterpieces when the classes finish.
To contact Any of our Outreach Community Development Team –
Nicola Hogarty – nicola@countykildarelp.ie – Outreach – South Kildare
Linda Wash – linda@countykildarelp.ie – Outreach North Kildare
Noreen Ardill Regional Family Support Co-ordinator
Mary Hennessy – maryh@countykildarelp.ie – Community Development Team Lead
Tribe Art Studio can be contacted at :
Rose – 085 716 7385