We need your help so we can continue to offer support to the local community and encourage more people to take part. Your donation will enable us to adapt our delivery to be more responsive to the needs of older people and those who have poor mental health. This group is in real danger of becoming more excluded due to the Covid pandemic and social isolation.

Together we will provide opportunities for people to take part in regular visual Arts sessions and remain connected with others in their local communities. We will provide people who would otherwise be isolated with regular contact through phone calls, a full programme of creative activities linked to local heritage/nostalgia and tools/techniques to support positive mental wellbeing, a sense of belonging and connection with others.

Gorton Visual arts Group has been providing access to visual arts for 14 years and we are well respected as a 'go to' group for other organisations in Manchester. The Charity is totally community led and we keep in regular contact with the group members. It is through these regular discussions and consultations that decides the direction of the group and the projects they engage in. All the way through lockdown we have kept in touch with each other and we feel there is a real sense of urgency to expand this work, especially as the fear of the pandemic and future lock-downs grow and our participants tell us they rely on us to keep them upbeat, entertained and occupied.

We will provide older people in need with art activities and materials including small projects that use a diversity of arts practice and techniques. By offering a range of activities this keeps the projects fresh and offers our participants with a challenge that keeps them interested and engaged. We also tailor our projects so they can be completed at the individuals pace and offers opportunity to develop their artistic practice in whatever way they want to take it. Our activities are based on subjects that encourage people to explore their local history, subjects that stimulate positive discussions about nostalgia and allows the person the chance to share their own narrative in whatever way they feel is right for them. But most importantly, we encourage a cup of tea and a biscuit when completing the projects to remind our participants that we may be apart for now but we are still a close knit family who value a cup of tea, a chat and sharing a laugh together.

If you can help by making a donation this will go towards art materials and continuing contact and support.

Thank you