This week is Creative Wellbeing Week (16 – 22 May) a national festival celebrating the power of creativity and culture to improve our health and wellbeing.
The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on how creativity can support our mental health. At Norwich Theatre, we provide a range of creative experiences to bring communities and like-minded people together so people can share in the joy that creativity can bring.
This week, we’re announcing two free opportunities to get creative, improve your wellbeing, and open up about your mental health, in addition to the other creative engagement sessions.
Sam Beal Creative Engagement Officer at Norwich Theatre said:
“Many of us have turned to creative expression to get us through the difficult, lonely moments of the pandemic and seen the benefit the arts can have on our mental wellbeing. With the current political and social turmoil we are facing, creativity can help us process our thoughts and emotions, allow us to come together again, and begin to heal. We hope that our projects not only provide a safe space for self-expression and promote positive mental health for our wider community.
“To celebrate creative wellbeing week, we are announcing two new free sessions. Each session provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to engage with creative practice and meet a community of people with similar interests.”
SpeakUp Mind and Body Workshop is a movement-based workshop that helps connect your mind and body. Ruth Philips from SpeakUp Theatre leads the workshop. The company explores stories of mental illness and the everyday challenges of maintaining positive wellbeing. This gentle workshop will feature activities to activate mindfulness and spark vital conversations about mental health. No experience is necessary for this session, so come as you are and enjoy some creative fun that you can engage with at your level.
Once a month, there is an opportunity for men to gather together for Music on my Mind – Record Club. Like a book club but for music, each session will see you listen to one classic album in full on vinyl before discussing the album together with a group of like-minded aficionados. This is a part of the 12th Man Campaign that helps men talk more openly about their mental health. So whether you are a rock, metal, pop or a secret Little Mix fan, this is the club for you. This will be ‘The Cure’ for what to do on a Friday afternoon, so ‘Walk This Way’ to the Record Club at The Playhouse.
Coordinated by Reel Connections as part of their Music On My Mind project.
Reel Connections uses film, music and the creative arts to connect people, groups and communities across Norfolk and the South East.
Other opportunities on offer during Creative Wellbeing Week include Music and Movement for Toddlers and Babies, creative movement sessions for children aged 18 months to 4 years old and is a great opportunity to meet other parents. Also on offer is Unwind with Movement, where you can come and wind down from life’s daily stress with meditation, gentle dance movements and breathing techniques.