The Art Ministry Provides Creative Outlet

Arts & crafts charity continues to rebuild confidence

The Art Ministry has been running arts and craft sessions for local blind and partially sighted people for over 20 years.  The charity received a three-year grant from the Southend Community Investment Fund in October 2022, to help support their work with adults and children living with sight loss.

Trustee and session leader Allan says: “Since COVID we have found that people need to gain their confidence to meet again.  We run very relaxed classes,  it’s a place where you are free to express yourself in whatever way you want.  We had fun making Christmas decorations in December, last week we created animals from felt, this week we are turning our hand to watercolours!”

There seems to be a mixed level of experience with attendees, with one lady having attended Central Saint Martins to study ceramics, and another never having picked up a brush before in her life.  What is at the heart of their enjoyment of the classes is not learning to improve their drawing skills, but their shared experience of living with sight loss. 

Linda, who moved to Southend just before the first lockdown, says: “I enjoy the company as much as the creativity. I find the sessions very relaxing and I enjoy chatting to everyone and making friends”.

The Art Ministry run weekly sessions for adults on a Monday from 11am to 12.30pm and classes for children on the second Thursday of the month from 4.30pm to 6pm.  The sessions are held at the Ecko Club, Thornford Gardens, Southend. There is a small cost of £2 per class.  For more details, and to book your place, please call The Art Ministry on: 07582 025163.