Mental health craft charity unveils first exhibit

A charity which helps people with their mental health by empowering them to be creative through crafts hosted its very first exhibition and sale.

Sew Positive held the event at its Gwydir Street hub in Cambridge, which it had used for more than a year but has now officially taken over from Cambridge Design Rooms.

The group's inaugural display showcased a varied collection of pieces created by sewers and craftspeople either at home or at the charity's array of classes.

Melissa Santiago-Val, CEO and founder, said the exhibition helped "remove barriers" that people often face when trying to exhibit their works or sell their products.

"We're not trying to do a really competitive craft sale here," she said ahead of the event's official opening.

"What we're trying to show people is that making is something that can really support your wellbeing and your mental health and also create a potential income for you."

The exhibit displayed everything from a handbag made from a cat food box and outfits created from rubbish to quirky quilts and "absolutely beautiful" crocheted bags.

Many of the handmade pieces were produced during the charity's various events and courses, such as its Saturday Sewing Café, Sew Basic, and Sew Practical.

They are designed to give people struggling with their mental health a creative outlet in a safe environment and to motivate them to feel confident to sell their pieces.

Most of those services have been provided at what is now the charity's new, permanent base, off Mill Road, which it took on after being given a three-year grant worth £205,000 from the National Lottery.

Santiago-Val said having somewhere to officially call home – in which people experiencing social isolation, inequality or mental health struggles could be creative without prejudice - was "really important".

"We really needed a safe space for our participants who are often experiencing trauma and significant crisis in their lives," she added.

"We've got loads of different things happening here, which is amazing - it's quite incredible."

And the charity's efforts have not gone unnoticed.

On the eve of opening its first exhibition, Sew Positive was nominated for a King's Award for Voluntary Service.

"It was a really special day for our charity and we're extremely proud to have represented all the efforts in our entire community," Santiago-Val said.

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