Craft workshops: learn a new skill and help support mental health work in Derbyshire

A host of crafty activities are on offer in a series of organised workshops, taking place in a very special setting – a first class railway carriage.

Up to 12 people can take a luxury seat in the specially-adapted carriage at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, where experts in creative arts such as jewellery making, botanical ink art and calligraphy will lead the sessions.

These activities are all arranged and managed by Wild Roots Creative, a not-for-profit social enterprise, which provides support and activities for a wide range of people to experience arts, crafts and outdoor activities in a natural space to support and promote better mental health. The group, which has two members of staff and relies on the hard work of around eight invaluable volunteers, uses the money raised from workshops and craft sessions and training to fund its wider mental health work.

Try your hand at a new craft

The scheduled workshops are listed on the website here but you could also book your own private party as a social get-together for friends or colleagues, a hen night or a birthday party – Wild Roots Creative could also come out to a venue of your choice. Prices start from about £12 per person and catering can be organised.

As well as bringing in specialists Wild Roots Creative has the expertise in-house to offer a host of traditional and heritage craft activities including willow weaving, macramé, corn dollies (which make lovely wedding favours), eco printing of paper and bags, felt bowls, rush mats and hats, peg looms and Inkle weaving.

Book a session for your club, group or school

Wild Roots Creative is based in Wirksworth, in the Derbyshire Dales. Its director Sally Wheal, says they it is able to offer workshops for groups and organisations – the Women’s Institute for example, or children’s clubs – and can deliver talks, demonstrations or set up hands-on have-a-go sessions.

It has also been funded by the National Lottery Heritage fund to create a series of workshops and teacher training sessions for primary aged children – these are now available to book and include willow weaving, rope making and corn dollies.

“These are mindful activities and taking part can improve self-confidence as well as developing and learning a new skill,” said Sally.

“There is no need to talk if you don’t want to, you can happily work away on your own, but they can also be really social occasions and a chance to meet and speak to other people who share an interest.”

Buy a craft kit

The group has also devised and sells craft kits, which make lovely gifts or a treat for yourself. These include macramé, keyring packs, decorations, paper and felt craft kits.

Check out the shop here and what craft activities are available. And don’t forget every purchase will help fund the wider work of the organisation.

About Wild Roots Creative

Wild Roots Creative, which was set up in 2021, believes that when people step into a natural setting and participate in meaningful activity then positive changes begin to be made which, if nurtured, can become deep-rooted and will positively impact mental and physical health.

Back to nature for better mental health – how it helps its clients

As well as the first class carriage and the available craft sessions, the organisation also has use of 18-acres of land on the outskirts of Wirksworth. It is here that it works with a whole range of people, providing activities for positive mental, social and physical health. They have planted wild flowers and trees, done outside crafts and improved the space for nature to thrive. This is done through fortnightly outdoor wellbeing group sessions.

Sally explained many of the people who attend the outdoor activity sessions are referred from GPs or other community or support groups or services. They include people being treated for mental health conditions and others recovering from alcohol or drug addictions, but Sally said it was a real mixture of needs and ages – from late teens to others in their nineties.

“Some people come to us off their own bat, because they want to have that social connection with other people or because they have been feeling isolated, or just that they want to do something positive for the local environment” Sally explained. “It is very welcoming and very non-judgemental.”

The volunteers and staff currently also work with under 18s who are not in school, on weekly craft and conservation projects aimed at building confidence and skills.

To find out more check out the Wild Roots website here.