New creative get-togethers for family carers in Suffolk

A Suffolk-based arts charity has announced a new programme of free get-togethers to support family carers living in and around Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

Thanks to funding provided by Arts Council England and Suffolk Carers Fund, Suffolk Artlink are extending their existing Around the Table project to offer a new programme of regular creative get-togethers for family carers across Suffolk, led by a rich variety of experienced chefs, foodies and artists.

Suffolk Artlink’s successful ‘Around the Table’ project has, to date, been delivered in Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Halesworth. From March this year, sessions will also welcome family carers in and around Stowmarket.

Starting on 25th March and into April, sessions will be offered online, in order to meet Government social distancing restrictions. It is hoped that as the year progresses, sessions can be offered face-to-face and outdoors, with a view to heading indoors to places including the Museum of East Anglian Life as restrictions lift and venues re-open.

During the two hour Around the Table sessions, carers will be given an opportunity to take part in online and face-to-face activities including cooking world cuisine, foraging and poetry. Suffolk Artlink can also provide carers a way to connect with the project, and each other, through post and telephone if preferred.

Kasia Don-Daniel, Suffolk Artlink Project Officer, explains: “It’s been a challenging time for everyone, particularly those that have caring responsibilities. We’re looking forward to giving family carers the opportunity to try new creative activities, gain fresh inspiration whilst spending time with each other in a welcoming and friendly environment.”

Jo, a family carer, said of this summer’s programme: “Thank you so much for my edible flower garden pack. This has cheered me so much. I had a difficult day yesterday and to receive these this morning has really made feel better. In all this madness it’s easy to feel forgotten.”

The full programme of activities is free, full details can be found on Suffolk Artlink’s website.

Carers are welcome to attend as many or as few of the get-togethers as they are able.

Places are limited for face-to-face Around the Table sessions, so please book for these in advance.

If you would like to take part in the sessions and activities either online, in person, or by telephone and post, contact Kasia Don-Daniel, [email protected] / 07704 068327.

Photos credit Jemma Watts

Suffolk Artlink is a participatory arts charity. We develop and deliver inclusive arts programmes that support peoples’ health and wellbeing. Our creative projects help people transform their lives through the arts by bringing skills, support networks, confidence and joy to communities in the East. We work in places including hospitals, hospices, residential homes, schools and community venues.Our work is led by experienced arts practitioners, encompassing a rich variety of art forms, and is delivered in close partnership with care, education, voluntary and community organisations.