Let's improve wellbeing by getting hands-on!

We're on a mission to improve wellbeing with COVID-safe creative making - with a special focus on partnering with local BAME community groups

The pandemic is clearly here for the long-haul - as a voluntary community craft and technology workshop we believe that hands-on making can be key to our wellbeing during the long winter ahead of us, and we're determined to share this as widely as possible. We know we're in a privileged position and recognise that the barriers faced by many in our locality, so we want to offer opportunities and a welcoming space for those who aren't offered the same privileges, and provide access to activities and resources that could benefit them during these times

While some people have found an ability to thrive during the pandemic, many have not, and mental health issues are likely to get worse going into winter - we sense a dire need to do what we can to help lift the spirits: many activities at our Makerspace fall into the 'Five Ways of Wellbeing'...for instance: that special glow you get from learning a new skill and holding an object you've just made.

We want to focus on creating a more equitable community and raise people up to improve standards of living and common understanding

We will organise a series of small workshops along a range of craft and technology themes, and engage with community groups to discover where creative interventions are going to be most effective, and continuing producing PPE as long as it's needed

We aim to:

- MakerDifference_2 local people....

By running a series of free COVID-safe workshops (in our newly built outdoor workshop)

- MakerDifference_2 local communities...

We'll engage and co-create maker solutions to ongoing issues - could be by building an air purifier or developing 'no touch' door openers for a community centre...we know that we don't know quite what it will be, but we will bring our facilities, skills and enthusiams to compliment those of local makers

- MakerDifference_2 local businesses...

We know there'll be challenges ahead: during the first wave we were able to supply face shields and masks, and developed several local online directories to help businesses transition to e-commerce...we're ready to help again if we can!

- Build on our previous campaign...

We will also build upon our original #MakerDifference campaign - where we produced and distributed over three thousand of items of PPE as well as commissioning mask designs and developing our own DIY air purifier - and will continue to provide PPE as needed - look out for our stylish masks commissioned from local BAME designer Tye Jones

We're proud to partner with local community leaders and organisations - our cover photo features John Sykes of Miguel's Boxing Gym in Brixton who distributed PPE locally - as well as schools, foodbanks, care homes, community kitchens, and homeless charities

MakerDifference_2:

We’re fundrasing for a second time!

MakerDifference_to:

Local communities – improving wellbeing through real-world interaction, hands-on making and practical engagement

Support us and you can ...

MakerDifference_too!

Our approach is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

1. Connect with other people 2. Be physically active 3. Learn new skills 4. Give to others 5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)