Arts All Over The Place are a registered Charity, whose stated aims include ’The relief of Loneliness’ We do this by running sessions in various venues, and putting on arts activities.
At present we have 5 groups running across Erdington, currently funded by Shared Prosperity Fund. Every Thursday from 12 to 3pm we run an open session in what is left of Central Square, unit 22, just behind Pound Bakery!
We gather people from all abilities, and some do craft activities, or just chat and socialise. There is live music, and singing, thanks to Jan Stachula, and hot drinks and even cake! People do say it’s a blessing to find such a welcoming group and for some it’s the only time they talk to other people all week.
There are at least 3 volunteers working away each week, setting up, making tea, welcoming folk and clearing up. Some teach skills to others, from crochet, to how to manage their phone etc. The volunteers say it’s a great way of building their confidence and helping them gain experience which could be included on a job application.
The funding also covers sessions at The Sanctuary, where Arts All Over The Place contributes activities to the wonderful Think Positive, Be Positive Group, which meets every Tuesday from 10 to 11.30am. The group tackles loneliness and is one of several groups each week at The Sanctuary. Arts All Over The Place have contributed craft and painting sessions, poetry and on 19th November there will be belly dancing: a sparkling occasion for hip swirling!
There is a warm welcome morning on Wednesdays at St Margaret’s church in Jarvis Road, Gravelly Hill from 11 to 1pm, and Arts All Over The Place have worked with that group on craft and made a large banner and Joe Cook worked with them to make a poem, which was published in our July booklet. We have 10 funded sessions there.
Two Family Hubs also have 8 of our sessions each, at Lakeside and Reservoir Road, with a session for parents who need some creative time for themselves. This is by referral only.
All of the creative activities are excellent for people’s wellbeing and as we are funded, there is no charge.
We often find that people who come along are very grateful for the company, hot drink and a biscuit or cake, at no charge, as they are finding the cost of living sometimes excludes them from places that need them to pay even a little cash.
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