So just over a year ago. I was in a very dark place. I had thoughts about hurting myself. Before these thoughts started, I knew I was struggling with anxiety and depression. But the thoughts I started having was me hitting rock-bottom and I started to accept it to myself. This was the start of my journey.
I got in touch with doctors and asked for help. They put me in touch with a programme called Silvercloud which was a great place to start and then through Universal Credit I was put on the Work and Health programme (Ingeus), in which was the best thing to happen to me. They’ve helped me so much and it’s through them I have spoken to a counsellor. Again, that was massive help to me. Then in August 2023 the Work and Health programme told me about the different programmes in St Helens that could be good for me to do. So Creative Alternative and ACL (Adults community learning) in which I said I’d give both a try.
The way it worked out I ended up starting both groups in the same week in the middle of September 23. I remember thinking to myself, I’m not sure if can do this and have I taken on too much too soon. But I spoke to Helen and well, wow she was super supportive and reassured me that I would be fine. A few days later I had a video chat over zoom with Helen and by end of that call I was ready to sign up for Creative Alternatives.
So, the Welcome & Induction session I’m not going to lie, I was very nervous about it. But upon starting the session and meeting the other people starting too, I very quickly realised that there were also other people in same boat I was in. We all were feeling nervous, and it was okay to feel that way. The next week we had our first creative session where we met Hazel and Sarah, the CA Artists, and two very lovely ladies (I hope they don’t mind me saying that!) Both were friendly and supportive. They made us feel welcome to be there. And told us that this is a safe place with no pressure or judgement and no right or wrong way of doing the activities they had planned for us. They just wanted us to get our ‘creative juices’ going and to have fun! After the first session I remember thinking, I can’t wait for next week’s session.
So, what did I enjoy about Creative Alternatives…well, everything is the answer. Meeting new people and putting myself back into the world and doing something different and new. Over the 12-week programme I only missed 1 session (and that was only as I had a funeral to attend) in which that is something that I’m very proud of myself for.
Over the 3 months I was on the programme I grew in confidence. Both creatively and personally. And I surprised myself with the things I produced and really enjoyed experimenting with the hands-on projects and the writing activities.
And would I recommend Creative Alternatives? 1000% YES. This programme is one of the best things I have done in such a long time. It’s supportive, friendly, helpful, amazing! To all the artists, Hazel, Sarah and Sian thank you. And to Helen, thank you so much for everything…your support, help and kindness.
All the CA activities complimented what I was doing with ACL, so it worked out very well in the end. And the journey I have been on has made a massive difference to my mental health and I have halved my anti-depressant medication since starting on the CA programme. I’m really proud of how far I have come since reaching out for help when I was in my darkest hour.
My life was passing me by. I was isolated and lonely.
I had nothing to do and nowhere to go.
My GP made an appointment to see the mental health nurse.
I had to change my life…St Helens Wellbeing Service then got in touch and suggested the Creative Alternatives programme.
Then the wonderful Helen got in touch.
I attended a taster session where Helen and Stephanie explained in detail about the programme.
I felt protected by their warmth and empathy.
Hazel and Sian (the CA Artist Facilitators) are also warm and welcoming and fascinating people
The mindful relaxation at the start really helps, although I really don’t know why.
So far I’ve made a bird feeder from recyclable materials which I am really proud of. I’m really interested in the other people in the group and their creativity.
Hazel and Sian are amazing.
They seem to totally get you and are genuinely interested in any creative work or writing that you do.
It’s a safe, secure place.
We are there for ourselves and to be creative.
We become so engrossed with our work that the 2 hours fly by.
The sessions give me a purpose.
It gives me direction.
It makes me happy and I feel important.
I am not isolated anymore.
My life has become interesting. I have something to talk to friends about.
I’m back in the land of the living and I intend to spread my wings and experience new things and have adventures.
All the while under these special people’s guidance and support who are a blessing to me.
I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity to take part with Creative Alternatives and just wish it becomes an alternative to the loneliness and isolation many mental health problems create.
2020 was a difficult year for many; myself included, though my own struggles and the COVID-19 pandemic shared little except a time-frame. Within a few weeks, I lost my adoptive home in Canada, my dream job in harm reduction in the North American opioid crisis and I landed back in the UK via a short stint in a psychiatric ward in Vancouver. Four years on, and I’m still trying to rebuild my life and my sense of self.
In 2024, I picked up a leaflet for Creative Alternatives (CA) during an appointment and asked to be referred. It would be some time until I’d realise the extent of the good decision I’d just made, and the impact that CA would have on my sense of well-being.
When I was referred to CA, I wasn’t under an apprehension that it would be a cure for the slew of psychiatric symptoms I’d been diagnosed with. But I felt encouraged by the idea of carving out some time for myself, where I could work on my well-being outside of the mundane, often disappointing clinical settings. After harrowing experiences with the NHS, CA felt like it could offer, well, a creative alternative, or at the very least a distraction from daily struggles.
I felt nervous when entering my first CA session. Attempting anything creative or original can evoke feelings of vulnerability, especially if you’re as artistically bereft as I am. And because the sessions were designed to improve well-being, I also worried about a potential expectation to share personal issues in an unfamiliar group environment.
However, these anxieties were quickly dispelled. While some of the sessions touched on challenges in life, much of their benefit came from paradoxically not focussing on these challenges, and instead creating a safe, calm environment, wherein mental tension naturally unwinds as a byproduct of enjoying some quality, guilt-free, restorative time in a supportive space. The Artist Facilitators were so knowledgeable of their craft, always picking projects that built on simple skills to produce surprisingly satisfying creations that added a dimension of achievement to the sessions.
As my time on the programme progressed, I found myself increasingly looking forward to the sessions — being unemployed, often the days and weeks can blur into an amorphous span of time, so having the weekly anchor of CA helped to keep me grounded. It gave me a sense of responsibility: it was a privilege to take part in the programme, and I wanted to respect that.
I also looked forward to meeting with the other participants in the group and hearing their stories. It was a genuine surprise how open and welcoming my group members were — there was practically no noticeable unease or uncertainty and, while I can’t speak for others, I got the distinct feeling that we quickly made each other feel comfortable and welcomed during the sessions.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of my experiences with CA is also the very first thing that struck me as unusual about it: the genuine care and empathy expressed by its staff. From my first on-boarding conversation with Helen, I felt listened to and cared for in a way that felt alien in contrast to the cold and perfunctory treatment felt by many mental health sufferers during, for instance, doctors’ appointments. It was the first time since returning to the UK where I didn’t feel like I had to justify my own existence at a healthcare/governmental appointment. My interactions with Helen, Steph, Sian, Sarah, and Hazel, have made me realise that CA’s people are absolutely intrinsic to the quality of the service it offers.
By looking back at my time at CA, I hope to convince the reader of the essentiality of Creative Alternatives and the service it offers, and why I believe CA’s funding and viability should be a priority for any community that wishes to safeguard the well-being of its vulnerable members. CA has demonstrated and reminded me of the importance of taming negative or defeatist inner monologue, and of the benefits that come from prioritising activities that I know will make me feel good. Conversely, ensuring I take time for myself has had the benefit that I feel more able to focus on the more regimented and focus-demanding aspects of life. Even on particularly dark days, I never once left a CA session in a bad mood, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
I am a wife and a mum of three. With all my children at school I found my mental health had been deteriorating for a few years and my confidence and self-esteem went to a very low point, so low that I was admitted to hospital. It was there I saw a twitter article about Creative Alternatives. I showed it to my husband and he made the first initial contact. A few days later I got a call to my room and Helen introduced herself and explained all about what the programme offers. I felt so positive after talking to Helen, I enjoy being creative and this sounded like just the right thing for me for when I got out of hospital. Straight away I felt the caring side of Helen; I felt like I had been given a lifeline. I think after fighting mental illness for so long you lose confidence in both yourself and other people and I had become agoraphobic and didn’t want to leave the house. I knew this was going to be a big step for me to get out of my comfort zone but I knew it would be worth it.
At first the programme offers an informal taster session with other people who are interested in starting up. We were all different in age and background and had different mental health issues but it was so good to be in a safe environment with like-minded people who you just clicked with or they just got you and understood where you were up to on your journey. Not only did we have low mood and other problems but we all created work that was unique to us and relevant to our journey. There is no right or wrong in creativity, it’s about the way you feel during the process. I found out about my love of symmetry during painting a mandala and I just couldn’t let go of everything having to be symmetrical. I had a chat with Hazel, one of the creative facilitators and we talked our way through my thoughts and feelings.
At the start of a CA session we’d usually start with a short mindfulness meditation done by Sarah or Hazel. They both have such a calming effect and help put you in the right frame of mind for two hours of creativity. Wow, how lucky are we to have two hours and the time just goes far too fast! After our meditation we sometimes do creative writing – this is a wonderful chance to escape and go to your own paradise or a chance to express your thoughts and feelings on various themes. I have found this has helped me so much and hearing other people’s stories and problems helps you to. It has been such a pleasure to do this side of the programme.
The ‘making’ side is also very relaxing and calming. They had us creating wonderful things – we have made various artists’ books with paper and folding techniques. We all help each other out and bond as a group from the start. We are all given the same creative activity but our artwork is so unique.
And so, I managed to motivate myself to get to all the sessions! Sometimes I would arrive a little late, but my sense of achievement was fantastic; I had gotten out of the house to a group in a strange place with new people, but I stuck at it, and CA sessions became a safe place of relaxation and the people became friends. Not only that, but the Creative Alternatives team are also brilliant at what they do. The programme team will keep in contact throughout the weeks you’re with them, and they text or call you to check how you are. We were also given the chance to watch performances at Central Library as part of the Arts in Libraries programme and these were always excellent quality with no two the same.
Creative Alternatives gave me a lifeline and helped me begin a creative journey for myself. It gave me a reason to get up and have a shower; if only for that one day I found I could be a part of society, I could stick to a routine and I could enjoy and find pleasure in what I was doing. The other people in the group made you feel not so alone in your struggles, accepting you as you are no matter what was happening in your life. Creative Alternatives becomes like a family, a safe place to be with people who really care. THANK YOU for the opportunity and to St Helens Council for funding such a worthwhile service.
I have nearly always had mental health issues. But when I was younger, in the 80’s these were mocked and dismissed. It left me alone and lost and having no clue where to turn or what to do. I just got told to, ‘buck up’ and ‘get over it, everyone has problems, you’re not special.’
So, if you get told this after each meltdown then you become numb and trust in people dies.
High school was hell. Because I was in the ‘low’ set group in school I was basically just ignored. Attendance and work-related incentive certificates, I got directly told by a teacher, ‘why bother.’
That was in my first year.
I then got bullied quite a lot but because I was so withdrawn and numb from my mental health plummeting. But they didn’t believe me because I didn’t cry. The one and only time I tried to trust someone for help, my head of year, but she just dismissed me too.
My attendance fell badly, I mean why care if no one else does?
College was different as I got to create. It wasn’t all good, but it was better, because everyone’s work had to be similar for some reason. I’d thought it was subjective to the individual creator but apparently not?!
It helped my depression lift a little as I’ve always been creative. Well, I’m a super doodler at the very least. But I am not a book smart person, always tried, always failed.
The last year of college wasn’t art related and was run differently, badly in fact.
My depression spiralled worse than ever along with crippling anxiety.
I lost touch with friends from college because I didn’t feel..worthy? Why would anyone want to be friends or care about someone that had issues leaving the house some days.
Panic attacks when the phone rings, terrified of getting randomly yelled at for doing something wrong and when pushed into volunteering work by the job centre, losing the ability to even speak a word.
I was trapped. Trapped in an awful, numb shell where the light faded and there was no colour in life. Why would anyone want to live like that.
I took various medications and began talking therapy, which helped a small amount. But I kept getting ‘stuck’ and the darkness dragged me back into its’ numbing grip again and again.
I honestly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for dogs. The one and only source of joy and colour that was able to break through the lead weighted shroud that hung around my shoulders every day. Some days are better, some are terrible. A different person every day. Hard to make plans when you don’t know which version of ‘you’ you’re going to be each day, let alone in a week or more.
I’m on better medication now which actually helps so much.
I got to see the colours of life again with the medication and then I got sent to the Social Prescribing service which in turn sent me to Creative Alternatives (CA).
All I can say is thank you. Thank you so, so much.
I felt like the real me, the part of me that had died in the late 80’s/early 90’s kind of woke up again. I could breathe.
I’ve lost so many years to the crushing numb darkness; it’s taken so much life from me. Missing so much trapped as a shell.
Being able to create for creativity’s sake and being FREE to do so in a friendly, safe environment with frankly awesome gentle minded folks.
It was another breath of fresh air.
My one day of the week that I was completely free. Those two hours as the one day of the week I could actually look forward too.
CA let me be the real, long forgotten me.
Actually happy.
The mental blocks have slowly begun to fall.
I so wish that I could have stayed there forever, and I really do hope to be able to go back one day. But I know there are a lot of people in SEVERE need of this type of help.
Some folks get help from talking, but I didn’t.
CA’s creative sessions healed a part of me I’d forgotten existed.
Everyone deserves to be happy.
CA did that for me. I don’t know how long it will last, but I will relish it while it does.
Taking part in the Creative Alternatives programme on Friday mornings has been one of the best things I’ve ever done for my mental health and wellbeing. For two hours each week, I felt uplifted, supported and inspired and by the end, I honestly wished my time on the programme would never end. I know I’m not the only one who felt that way. When something is this valuable, this positive, it’s hard to accept that it has to stop.
What makes Creative Alternatives so special is how it manages to get people out of their comfort zone but always in a safe, supportive and encouraging way. That gentle push to try something new, whether it’s a different art medium or simply opening up to others, is transformative. It’s not just about making art; it’s about building confidence, connection and resilience.
The facilitators: Helen, Sian, Hazel and Sarah are absolutely outstanding. They bring warmth, patience, and kindness to every session, and their creativity and guidance make everyone feel welcome, no matter their ability or background. They create an atmosphere where you feel free to explore, express yourself and succeed.
As someone living with disabilities and long-term health conditions, I can’t stress enough how much this group has meant to me. Art is such a powerful tool for people with mental health struggles and disabilities. It gave me an outlet when words weren’t enough, helped me manage my daily challenges, and reminded me that I am still capable of growth and joy. I was already creative before joining, but Creative Alternatives encouraged me to explore new materials and techniques I had never tried before and that was incredibly exciting and empowering.
Beyond the creativity, Creative Alternatives gave me something I didn’t expect: friendships. I moved here not knowing anyone, and loneliness weighed heavily on me. But through this group, I met people who understood, accepted, and supported me. That sense of belonging is priceless, and it is something I will carry forward. Not to mention nobody judged anybody, for me that is the first group activity I have been to where I have never been judged for being me.
The only downfall? The sessions weren’t long enough, and the programme wasn’t long enough either. Two hours a week flies by when you’re in such a positive and nurturing environment, and each five-week block of creativity is over far too quickly. The impact is so great that it feels like there should always be a Creative Alternatives group running not just as a short-term programme, but as a permanent fixture.
I know I will struggle without it, but I’m determined to use the skills and techniques I’ve learnt to keep going at home. Still, nothing can replace the energy, connection, and support of being in that group. Creative Alternatives is not just helpful, it is a lifeline. For me, and for so many others, it has been invaluable.
I strongly believe there needs to be more of this available. There are countless people out there who could benefit from something like Creative Alternatives, and it would be heartbreaking if it wasn’t there. The difference it makes to people’s lives is extraordinary and that’s why I hope this programme continues, grows, and reaches even more people who need it.
“Creative Alternatives has been a lifeline for me — in the first few weeks, it transformed my confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging. I wish it never had to end, and I know countless others would benefit if this incredible programme could continue permanently.”
