Creative Alternatives offers a programme of relaxing and creative group experiences which can help improve wellbeing, confidence and social connections. We are very excited to bring an additional pilot programme that will be available especially for adults living or accessing their health-care in Newton-le-Willows that will run between June 2026 until March 2027.
Explore visual arts and expressive writing, no experience needed
Meet others in a warm, welcoming weekly group
Build confidence and rediscover what you enjoy
Creative Alternatives in Newton-le-Willows offers a short-term programme of creative activities across 10 weekly sessions. Anyone interested in taking part will need to make a referral — scroll down to find out how.
Three ten-week groups run across the year.
You can only take part in one ten-week group per programme.
Our core sessions are led by a team of Creative Facilitators who will guide you through the creative experiences and themed projects. They are there to support and nurture your creative journey using hands-on arts and expressive word-based activities.
There are also some mindful practices that help you to feel calm and relaxed during the sessions.
There’s no pressure; it’s about being open to trying something new, exploring creative ideas and being playful.
Our sessions will become a special place where you’ll be welcomed with friendly faces. You can be yourself and make time that is just about you!
Creative Alternatives might be suited to you if you are…
18+ living or accessing your healthcare in Newton-le-Willows
Experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety and/or stress
Feeling motivated and stable enough to make a regular commitment to a short-term programme
Able to attend the weekly group sessions independently
Willing to give the creative activities a go (…no previous experience is needed, we believe creativity comes in all wonderful shapes and sizes!)
Contact Helen, the Programme Manager, call or text 07745 590698 or complete a self-referral form and submit by emailing helen@creativealternatives.org.uk or post
A GP, therapist/counsellor, social prescribing link worker or other health or social care professional can refer using our professional referral form
Once we have your form, we’ll arrange a time to call you to learn more about your needs and to tell you more about what we do and how it helps.
Next you’ll be invited to attend a one-off taster session where you can meet us in person. We’ll show you examples of the kinds of projects we offer and you can try some simple creative activities. There will be open and closed sessions available so you can choose which is best for you. If you enjoy the taster session, you then have the option of joining our ten week long programme*
Once you’ve attended a taster session, you can start your journey at the next available entry point
* please note: you can only take part in one of the ten-week groups for this programme
