Creative4Life

“The C4L arts sessions I attended were special because I got to know and care for many of the other participants in the group and felt wanted, that I belonged somewhere.”

Creative 4 Life is our flagship programme for adults living with mental health issues.

  • Weekly online or in-person workshops in a variety of art forms such as visual arts, graffiti, creative writing, drama, sculpture, poetry, music and more!
  • Trips out to events, galleries and live performances in the local area and across London for weekly workshop participants 
  • Outreach projects with partner organisations such as Mind, NELFT and other local  Barking & Dagenham charities and voluntary sector organisations   
  • Social events and festivals, offering taster activities such as our annual WinterFest

Creative 4 Life’s fun and accessible multi-arts activities support adults who are feeling isolated, lonely or are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Led by a team of friendly and experienced artists, participants can have a go at trying a new art form, learning new skills and socialising with others in a welcoming space.

All of our sessions are free to attend.

If you or someone you know could benefit from coming to our sessions, please get in touch with us at hello@greenshoesarts.com.

Our upcoming 2023 weekly workshops

CREATIVE CAFE WITH PRAGYA AND THE GREEN SHOES TEAM

Mondays 1:30pm until 3:30pm 

Come in, pour yourself a cup of tea and join us for these creative drop-in sessions for people to try out different art materials and meet the team in a relaxed setting. You can bring your own work in with you, create something as a group or just have a hot drink and chat – everyone’s welcome at Creative Café!

These sessions are perfect if you’re new to our programme.

PRINTMAKING WITH ANNA AND VERONA

Wednesdays 1:30pm until 3:00pm 
Ever wanted to learn what printmaking was about? These creative and colourful visual art sessions will teach you a variety of different approaches to making your own beautiful print designs. Each workshop will be fun, hand-on and a little messy!
Please note: Workshops begin a week later on Wednesday 8th November at Chadwell Heath Community Centre. 

VISUAL ART ONLINE WITH MERLIN AND THE GREEN SHOES TEAM ON ZOOM

Thursdays 6:00pm until 7:30pm 
Join visual artist Merlin to explore a mix of different visual art styles and methods. From drawing to collage to mark making to illustration, these fun, relaxed sessions will have something for everyone. Come along to experiment and try something new!
Workshops begin Thursday 2nd November on Zoom.

MINDFUL DRAWING WITH STEVE AND LOTTE at THAMES COMMUNITY HUB

Thursdays 1:30pm until 3pm 
Artist Steve Lawes will lead you through 6 weeks of learning how to construct different types of abstract, pattern based art. Drawing inspiration from cultures all around the world through mandalas, labyrinths and more, you will have a go at creating beautiful, meditative artforms that have inspired and helped people for millennia. 
Workshops begin Thursday 2nd November at Thames Community Hub.
Please note: There will be no workshop on Thursday 16th November.

Creative 4 Life is made possible by a grant from the Comic Relief Smiles Fund.