Creative Alternatives is the FREE arts on prescription service open to people living or accessing their healthcare in St Helens, Merseyside. It provides adult residents with the opportunity to refer into a short-term programme centred around creative experiences, wellbeing and self-care.
Creative Alternatives provides its participants with a short-term programme of creative activities with a choice of either for 7 or 12 weekly sessions.
There are several points to join throughout the year; once referred there might be a short waiting list until a place becomes available.
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 with a mix of visual arts and expressive writing 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 just for you!
Creative Alternatives might be suited to you if you are…
Over 18 and living or accessing your healthcare in St Helens
Experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety &/or stress
Feeling ready to improve your mental health & wellbeing
Able to make a regular commitment to the weekly sessions
Prepared to attend the group sessions independently
Wanting to express yourself creatively*
* even if you don’t think of yourself as a creative person, we can help you to re-think that!
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.
You will be invited to attend a taster session where you can meet us in person. We will show you examples of projects we do and you can try some simple creative activities. This session will help you decide if Creative Alternatives is right for your needs…
If we are the right service for you, then you can begin the programme at the next available start date, and you can choose to take part for either 7 or 12 weeks.
