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 Lotte at lotte@greenshoesarts.com.

Our upcoming 2023 weekly workshops

Creative Cafe

Mondays 1.00-3.00

IN PERSON at CHADWELL HEATH COMMUNITY CENTRE

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 Cafe!

This session begins Monday 16th January.

Tribal Art with Pragya

Tuesday 1:30-3:00

IN PERSON at CHADWELL HEATH COMMUNITY CENTRE

During these 5 sessions artist Pragya Kumar will be exploring the visual art of the Warli Tribes from Western India. From the 10th century to today, this creative practice has been used to represent togetherness. Join us to learn the different techniques behind making these amazing pieces of art.

This session begins Tuesday 17th Jan.

Comic Illustration with Lucy

Thursday 18:00-19:30

ONLINE VIA ZOOM

How can you tell a story through images? In these relaxed and creative sessions artist Lucy Bergonzi will be using writing, drawing and creating to show the different ways we can tell stories. These sessions will take you through different illustration styles in a fun and unique way.

These sessions begin on Thursday 19th Jan.

Music Making with George

Wednesday 1:30-3:00

IN PERSON AT CHADWELL HEATH COMMUNITY CENTRE

Join musician George Berry to test different ways of creating music with a range of instruments. Throughout the 5 sessions George will guide participants through the process of making rhythms, writing lyrics and creating music as a group. No previous experience needed, these fun sessions are about having a go in a safe and supportive space.

This session begins on Wednesday 18th Jan.

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