Creative Activities Across Plymouth’s Wellbeing Hubs for Creativity & Wellbeing Week 19-25 May
To celebrate National Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2025 (19–25 May), Plymouth Wellbeing Hub Network is inviting people of all ages to take part in a variety of creative, inclusive and community-driven events that support better mental health and wellbeing.
From gardening and photography to dance, crafts, singing and creative writing, the week offers free and low-cost activities across the city, hosted by local partners at Mannamead Hub, Four Greens Wellbeing Hub, Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, ELM Centre, Wolseley Community Hub, Rees Centre, and more.
These events are part of a growing national movement to recognise the value of creative health—the practice of using arts and creativity to support health, wellbeing, and social connection.
What is Creative Health?
Creative health is the intersection of creativity and healthcare. It includes any activity where the arts or creative expression support physical or mental health, such as music for memory, dance for mobility, arts for recovery, or community gardening for mental wellbeing.
Evidence shows that creative activities can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve mood and social connection
Support recovery from illness and trauma
Boost confidence and sense of purpose
“Creative health isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital part of how we can care for ourselves and each other. By bringing people together around creative activities, we build stronger, healthier communities,” Emma Corkery, Plymouth Wellbeing Hub Network Programme Lead.
Monday 19th
Food is Fun for Women, 10am - 12:30pm, Mannamead Hub https://foodisfun.org.uk/
Gardening at Devonport Park, 11am - 12pm
Dee's Crochet Group for Beginners, 10am–12pm (£1 donation) – Mannamead Hub https://wellbeinghub.improvinglives.org.uk/wellbeing-hub/
Dance Steps with Eldertree 10-11.30am at Wolseley Community Hub
Knit & Natter Crafting Group, 5pm–7pm – Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre
Over 50's and Veterans Photography Group 10.00 -12.00, Four Greens Wellbeing Hub
Knit & Natter -10am - 1pm, Contact Zoe: 07772120088 Four Greens Wellbeing Hub
Cook Stars Cooking Children's cooking for ages 2 –11, Leanne@cookstars.co.uk, Four Greens Wellbeing Hub
Arts, Craft and Laughter, 9am–9pm – St Budeaux & Barne Barton Hub
Tuesday 20th
Crafty Pals Drop-in 7pm - 9pm – Rees Centre
Community Roots Gardening Group 1-3pm As well as general gardening there are woodwork opportunities - making planters, bird tables etc. Creating garden signs with wood slices, paints, chalk paints etc.
Craft Group 1pm - 4pm (£4) Contact Sally: 07723087263 - Four Greens Wellbeing Hub
Arts, Craft and Laughter, 9am–9pm – St Budeaux & Barne Barton Hub
Wednesday 21st
Soul Singers, 2pm–3pm (£2) – ELM Centre
Community Café, 9am–12pm – ELM Centre
Community Bring-Your-Own Craft Session, 12pm–2pm – ELM Centre
Arts, Craft and Laughter, 9am–9pm – St Budeaux & Barne Barton Hub
Thursday 22nd
Board Games for People with Long-Term Conditions, 1pm–2:30pm (£1) – Mannamead Hub (Annex)
Art for Wellbeing, 11:30am–1:30pm (£5, book in advance) – Mannamead Hub (fortnightly)
Creative Writing? (TBC) – Mannamead Hub
Fitness League 7-9 at Jan Cutting. Ladies Dance, Exercise and Movement Class.
Arts, Craft and Laughter, 9am–9pm – St Budeaux & Barne Barton Hub
Friday 23rd
Community Crafters, 10:15am–12:15pm (£1) – Mannamead Hub
Carers Art for Wellbeing, 11am–1pm (£5) – Mannamead Hub
Arts, Craft and Laughter, 9am–9pm – St Budeaux & Barne Barton Hub
Knit & Natter Crafting Group, 5pm–7pm – Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre
Saturday 24th
Family Dance Sessions, 10:30am–12pm (until 1pm with lunch) – Four Greens (Contact Sally: 07801 928606 / sally@barbicantheatre.co.uk)
Join the Conversation
Alongside the events, Plymouth’s Wellbeing Hub Network in collaboration with Plymouth Culture is inviting people to take part in a conversation about what creative health means to them and how we can grow this work locally.
Whether you’re a resident, a creative practitioner, a health professional, or simply curious — your voice matters.
Find Out More:
Sign up here to be part of the Plymouth's Creative Health Network
Full event listings: https://www.plymouthculture.co.uk/programmes/creative-health-network
Plymouth’s Wellbeing Hubs: www.pwhn.org
Creativity and Wellbeing Week: https://creativityandwellbeing.org.uk
National Centre for Creative Health: https://ncch.org.uk
