Home / Health / Sew Positive Bags £205k National Lottery Grant
Sew Positive Bags £205k National Lottery Grant
20 Feb
Summary
- A Cambridge charity received £205,000 from the National Lottery.
- The funding will secure a permanent base for the charity.
- Crafts are used to support wellbeing and combat social isolation.
Sew Positive, a Cambridge charity dedicated to enhancing mental wellbeing and combating social isolation through crafts, has secured a substantial £205,000 grant from the National Lottery. This three-year funding, awarded via the Reaching Communities scheme, marks a "pivotal point" for the five-year-old organization.
The grant will facilitate the acquisition of a permanent base at Gwydir Street, a location central to the charity's operations. This secure venue will host three key programs: Men's Hems, the Sewcialise Good Mood Cafe, and K2Tog Peer Support.
Founded on the belief in sewing and creativity's power to improve mental health, Sew Positive operates in Cambridge, described as a city facing significant inequality. Participants, like Julie Smith, have found immense value in the charity's offerings, noting a boost in self-esteem and creativity.
Adam Cleevely, involved with Men's Hems and a knitting group facilitator, highlights the gentle, side-by-side nature of craft activities, which encourages open conversations about personal struggles. This approach fosters confidence and combats loneliness.
Local health officials, including Pam Green from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board, commend such community-led initiatives for providing accessible, non-traditional support. These spaces offer a crucial pathway for individuals to seek help, promoting self-care and reducing the stigma associated with mental health before issues escalate.
