Match funding campaign to offer art sessions for Clacks families

Home-Start Clackmannanshire will be a part of Big Give's Arts For Impact fundraising campaign and will be able to double donations received between March 19 and 26.

In partnership with fellow Clacks charity Reachout with Arts in Mind, the good cause is hoping to utilise the money to widen its offer of art sessions in a bid to improve people's mental health.

Louise Orr, chief executive officer at Home-Start Clackmannanshire, told the Advertiser: “Family life can be stressful, and it can be difficult to carve out time to do something fun and creative together.

“There is also often a hesitation to do such activities, not knowing where to start, or their inner dialogue telling them 'you can't do this'.

“Together, Home-Start Clackmannanshire and Reachout with Arts in Mind aim to bring families the opportunity to engage in bespoke creative experiences.

“We will provide access to sessions specifically for parents and carers though our wellbeing groups  and also to wider families through our school holiday programmes.

“Materials used will be mindful of what families will have around the house, so they build confidence to try out further activities at home.”

She explained that families being supported by Home-Start are often simply trying to get through the day with a never ending to do list.

It is hoped the sessions will go some way in allowing families to realise their creative potential as this can have a positive impact on people's mental wellbeing.

Louise added: “Through the campaign, we are aiming to raise funds that will go directly to providing accessible expressive arts classes and ongoing Reachout memberships to local families, building their creativity, confidence and social interaction.

“The impact of this work to strengthen our partnership working with families locally will be to provide greater opportunities for families to realise their creative potential, to carve out time to have fun as a family and inspire greater connections within their family and their wider community.

“We will expect to see an increase in confidence, wellbeing, willingness to try new things and resilience within individuals who participate.”

Money raised will be matched one-to-one by Big Give up to £2,500, meaning every £1 donated will yield £2 for the pot.

It will not be the first time Home-Start and Reachout team up to support Clacks families as many sessions have been delivered over the years, from clay pinch pots at Play in the Park Summer events, to a series of watercolour workshops for parent wellbeing groups.

To donate, visit bit.ly/48JYs3E after the fundraising page unlocks on Tuesday, March 19.