Space to Breathe is a creative wellbeing project running until Summer 2027, developed and managed by Art Branches and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
With courses in Bury St. Edmunds, Haverhill, Ipswich and other locations in Suffolk, the project aims to inspire local communities to creatively engage with the environment and our rich natural heritage – and in so doing, improve wellbeing. Our courses incorporate a range of creative activities, including: drawing, watercolour painting, photography, collage and poetry.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the ‘Space to Breathe’ course. Following burnout/breakdown, I’ve been receiving counselling, therapy and medication to manage anxiety. The course has given me something to focus on outside of my mental health issues and has been a major contributing factor in my recovery; more so than the medication and counselling.”
For dates and locations or courses, workshops and events, see our programme calendar.
The project also has creative wellbeing workshops for adult carers (full, or part time) and those who have been bereaved. Held at our outdoor venue in Little Whelnetham, the workshops inspire a closer look at the natural world – enjoyed with coffee and cake.
Space to Breathe is also accessible online over winter, exploring fascinating collections from local museums.
We accept applications from participants directly and referrals from healthcare professionals, such as social prescribers and link workers. See our 'How to Apply/Refer' page.
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Art Branches is a not-for-profit community organisation specialising in inclusive creative projects for improving wellbeing in communities across the East of England. It aims to help people express themselves through creative media and words.
To find out more about Art Branches and to see more of our projects, visit our main website at ArtBranches.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements and project stories.
We also have dedicated sites for our poetry project, Branches Abound, and our multifaceted creative heritage project, Chronicles of Greyfriars.
