MIND IN FURNESS

Our artists have developed a good relationship with MIND in Furness over the years, working on creative writing, sound and theatre projects as part of Barrow Full, Furness Litfest, and for the Ashton Group ( now Theatre Factory.)

With the support of MIND's Glenn Mahaffy, Alex has put together a programme of visual arts and crafting activity, aimed at skilling up members, staff and volunteers alike, and involving them in Ulverston's festival and celebration calendar. The work so far has produced masks and lanterns, and currently the group are working on shadow screens for installation on Gill Banks as part of the annual Ulverston Candlelit Walk, which attracts huge crowds to its atmospheric promenade of home-made spookiness. 

 In the new year Arts and Minds will expand to include some sessions for young people, and for residents

and staff at St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, which will see us working again with Artspace Green Room artist Lex Blakeway, who runs Creative Therapy sessions at the Hospice. Lex and the group worked with John Hall on his commission for Another Fine Fest in 2022.  We have devised our project with the support of our partners, in order to  provide appropriate and  stimulating activities that can complement a wider programme of support if required, and with the safety and confidentiality of our participants to the fore. 

 We are grateful to Ulverston Bid and Cumbria Community Foundation for their support for the project.

​

With the support of the national Lottery Community fund we have continued and expanded our work with MIND. 

Handmade sees Alex's work develop into next year, while writers Geoff Cox and Kate Davies will lead  creative writing sessions to produce new work and equip MIND volunteers with workshop skills. John Hall liases again with Glenn Mahaffey, and  is joining staff and members on mindfullness days into rural areas, collecting sound and music to support therapies.,

​

​