A free mental health and wellbeing programme using creativity and social connection has launched in Newton-le-Willows, with places now open to local people.
Creative Alternatives, which has been running in St Helens since 2015, offers an arts-based approach to supporting adults experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety or depression. The programme has now expanded to Newton-le-Willows thanks to £24,000 of funding from the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board via the Pride in Place Programme.
Weekly group sessions are taking place at Newton-le-Willows Library on Crow Lane East, running from June 2026 through to March 2027. Three separate 10-week blocks are planned throughout the year, with up to 10 places available per group, so there will be continuing opportunities for people to join throughout the programme.
Sessions combine accessible creative activities – including visual art, writing and three-dimensional making – with mindfulness and self-care practice. The focus is on relaxation and enjoyment rather than artistic technique, and no experience is needed.
Helen Holden, Programme Manager at Creative Alternatives, said: “We are thrilled to be able to now extend our established service to make it more accessible for the people of Newton-le-Willows. We will be running groups out of Newton-le-Willows Library, which we hope encourages people to feel comfortable and safe being in a well-known community setting. We understand how hard it can be for anyone experiencing anxiety and low mood, but we’ve seen how people can feel better and grow in confidence by accessing an arts and health programme like ours.”
The programme is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives or accesses healthcare within Newton-le-Willows. People can self-refer or be referred by a health, social care or mental health professional.
Independent evaluation of the Creative Alternatives service shows participants consistently report improved mental health outcomes, with wellbeing scores increasing by an average of five points – above national benchmarks. Feedback from participants has described the programme as “a lifeline” and “the best support for my mental health that I’ve ever received.”
Chris Hickey, chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board, said: “As a Board we are determined for the Pride in Place funding to have a real impact on the people of Newton-le-Willows. Our funded early delivery projects, including Arts on Prescription, demonstrate our commitment to delivering high quality schemes that will benefit residents and businesses in our town.”
Creative Alternatives was founded in 2006 in Sefton and has received national recognition for its work, including the Northwest Public Health Award and a Team of the Year award from the Trinity Mirror Foundation.
To find out more or to refer yourself to the programme, contact Helen Holden at helen@creativealternatives.org.uk or call 07745 590698. Further information is also available at www.creativealternatives.org.uk.