Celebrating Community WELL-BEING and Creativity: My visit to Woodworks Art Café
20th February 2025
I visited Woodworks Art Café to learn about its impact on mental health, inclusivity, and community engagement through creativity.
Owner Kinsey Foster, a social worker with decades of experience, founded the café after noticing a decline in community mental health during COVID-19. “There is a lack of community projects and real support for people. Too often, we rely on sticking plasters in society. At Woodworks, we believe in helping people help themselves,” she said.
I very much enjoyed visiting the team at Woodworks Art Café. They have created a vibrant space for the local community with wonderful activities for children, and even cat therapy, which sadly I missed! I commend Kinsey, Nina, and the whole team of volunteers for their dedication and hard work in supporting the community.
Woodworks Art Café is an award-winning creative wellbeing community hub and café that utilises arts and crafts as social prescribing to enhance mental health and reduce isolation. They offer a variety of activities that are inclusive to all mental and physical disabilities, fostering a warm and nurturing environment for all.
The café is also a creative hub where visitors can engage in various artistic pursuits. The front section houses a cosy coffee shop adorned with handmade crafts and artwork from local artists, all available for purchase. Towards the back, are several spacious tables where individuals can work at their own pace, utilising a selection of easels and a broad range of art supplies, including different types of paint and brushes.
In addition to providing a welcoming space for independent creativity, the café hosts structured sessions that cater to a wide audience. Some workshops are streamed online, ensuring accessibility for those unable to attend in person. A large screen displays detailed demonstrations by instructors, making it easier for participants to follow along without crowding around.
The community hub also offers free support groups, weekly singing and music gatherings, and open mic nights, fostering social connections and creative expression.
All profits generated by the café are reinvested into its creative programmes, allowing it to offer affordable, high-quality workshops. The most expensive two-hour session, focused on pottery, costs just £12 and includes a kiln firing. Visitors can also explore pottery glazing in a variety of colours or decorate pre-made ceramic items such as plates and mugs. A selection of take-home kits is available for those who prefer crafting at home. BSL and support groups are free. Cat therapy is only £2 per adult and £1 per child.
Beyond its artistic offerings, the café provides a vital support network for individuals facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and economic hardship, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.