'Art in Recovery' Workshops

Katie

As one of our dedicated members, Katie has taken this opportunity to share her story and feedback, in the hope that it may inspire others to seek help and support for themselves.

Read Katie's Story

Hi I'm Katie, 25 years of age, an amateur artist, and have been a member of Creative Start for over 4 years. I am currently in my last year studying for a Veterinary Nursing foundation degree.


Before I started on my course and in between my studies I attend Creative Start Workshops and get involved in a number of their creative projects at the drop-in studio on Abbey Walk in Grimsby.


I am dealing with a number of mental health struggles including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , anxiety and depression among others and when I landed in mental health services at the age of 15, I struggled to express and vocalise my emotions.


I discovered Creative Start and their 'Art in Recovery' workshops a number of years ago and have found that when it comes to dealing with my mental health, Art has became a real life saver.


Art allows me to keep focused, express my emotions visually and I like the way I can put my thoughts on to a canvas.

I'm on a continuous road to recovery with the support of my peers and the community of creative people I choose to surround myself with and although I can still have good days and bad days, the 'Art in Recovery' group by Creative Start is really important to keep my mental health well.

Although I started out painting with dark imagery and colours, throughout my recovery, my art work has changed to much brighter and louder colours to reflect my feelings.

When I landed in mental health services at the age of 15, I struggled immensely with expressing and vocalising my emotions.

Being a part of the 'Art in Recovery' groups, surrounded by like-minded people has really given me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.


Everyone at Creative Start has an open-minded attitude and the friendly atmosphere is where I feel safe to go and just be my self.


Being part of Creative Start for the last 4 years, I have gained some true friendships, more confidence and lots of ambition.

There is nothing better than drinking coffee, painting and having a laugh with people you have things in common with.

You can get involved in lots of projects as well as art. A few I have been involved in are painting murals at St Andrew's hospice, painting at docks, woodworking on outdoor bushcraft camps and making creative merchandise (t-shirts, badges and mugs) and lot's more.

Katie showing one of her new vibrant colourful paintings.

'Art helps me to speak out loud in a visual way and helps me to process my thoughts'.

Art has become my preferred form of meditation and relaxation.


I tend to paint freehand with acrylics and get my inspiration from other artists.


I also share my own personal journey of my ups and down days on my Instagram page.

Recovery is there for anyone that wants it.

Just take it; be free.

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You can contact us directly if you want to talk through any issues you're having.

This number is manned during opening hours only. Mon to Fri 10am to 3pm.

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