“St Margaret’s Centre has brought order to my life and a focus for me on the bad days. A very valuable place and a haven in the gloominess.”
St Margaret’s Centre offers a warm and welcoming craft room, with a view of Durham Cathedral and an array of materials for arts and crafts. There is a wide range of activities taught by our instructors and volunteers, helping people to learn skills at their own pace in a wide variety of mediums, such as painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, crafting and more. You will be among a friendly bunch of people who understand at least some of what you are going through, and you can choose from a varied monthly timetable of activities that are designed to help with mindfulness, providing a distraction to the stresses of everyday life.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done it before, our instructors and skilled volunteers will help you discover new talents at your own speed. Some people prefer to colour-in and chat over a cup of tea, while others challenge themselves to learn something new. Fundamentally, we can help you go from ‘I can’t do that!’ to ‘I didn’t know I could do that!’
Creating art has well-documented health benefits. It is known to release the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter dopamine, which is sometimes known as the ‘motivation molecule’, boosting drive, focus and concentration. This enables you to plan ahead and resist impulses so you can achieve your goals. The introduction of new crafts can also go on to be rewarding hobbies, stimulating creativity at home, boosting self-esteem and creating a sense of personal achievement. Working in a small and friendly group has known mental health benefits, helping to build friendships and reduce social anxiety.
