On Friday 1st December we held a table top sale at the Creative Living Centre to raise funds towards some of the many activities we run on a daily basis. Thanks to the hard work of the team and the support of members of the Creative Living Centre and those in the community, combined with another fundraising activity, so far we have managed to raise £352.74!

We have several other fundraising activities planned over the coming months including a Guitar concert from Jean with the splinter guitar group so it would be wonderful if you could support us.

We also have our crowdfunder, details of which can be found here and donations made directly through this will go towards our allotment and be DOUBLED! 

Read a small introduction to our allotment project here!

One of our projects is to improve mental health through gardening, planting, growing and learning about sustainability and the environment. We would like to fund some specific training for members, staff & volunteers so that we can form an allotment group in the new year. We also need to purchase some new equipment to make sure we have everything we need for a successful growing season in 2024! 

Allotment Development Fund - a Community crowdfunding project in Manchester by Creative Living Centre (avivacommunityfund.co.uk) 

World Mental Health Day 2023 was in full swing at the centre this year. We had the Tea and Talk morning for both members and non-members with a donation of cakes and biscuits from Wendy at Tesco Bury. We had workshops from Jon, Shelley, Susan and Cody which including a mens' curry and chat class, gratitude jars showcasing wonderful craft skills, understanding stress with stress bucket activity, journalling and recognising things that hold us back from moving forward such as fear, procrastination and perception, with techniques on how to address these. Jon took some great pictures on the day and we had the opportunity to meet some wonderful new people who had never been to the centre before. #WMHD2023 

This Sunday, 8th October 2023, Prestwich Makers Market is back outside the Longfield Centre. Shelley and Tom from the Creative Living Centre will be on hand to answer any questions and to offer some free crafting activities.

​Lok forward to seeing you there!

Now that we are approaching the end of September, we are remembering the celebrations from last year where we celebrated our 25 year anniversary. The whole team pulled together to create a special event for our members and supporters who have stood with us over the years. This beautiful video was put together to the music of the CLC song.

Emily started her placement with the Creative Living Centre just just under a year ago after attending an Open Day with us back in September 2022. She quickly became a valued member of the team and we are thrilled that she has now achieved her hours and completed her degree. We wish her every luck with her future career and its has been wonderful to watch your journey with us. Well done Emily! 

​Our next open day is the 30th September between 11am - 3pm.

Sunday the 13th August was the opening event of Prestwich Makers Market. Shelley (Senior Support Co-ordinator) and Tom (Take Part Co-ordinator) supported the event on behalf of the Creative Living Centre with a stall to talk about mental health. We had mindful colouring, word-searches, rock painting and games to open up dialogues around mental health. Tom was there to talk about the CLC volunteering opportunities which included co-tutoring, social inclusion group support, decorating, café support and peer mentoring. Shelley spoke to visitors about the centre, what we do here and provided information about signing up, activities and support.
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Even with the typical Manchester weather, much fun was had on this rainy Sunday. Lots of stalls, sellers and activities, new people to meet and the opportunity to be in a shared community space.

Tom reflected that it was great to see so many people out despite to weather and wanting to find out more about what the Creative Living Centre does and why we do it. Wonderful that we had the opportunity to raise awareness for the charity and that it was children who came over for the painting activity which opened the door for the parents to find out more information ranging from volunteering opportunities, the timetable of activities we offer to members and even just to have a chat about mental health and what that meant to them. 

​Great work Prestwich, will see you at the next one!

Creating new signage for a charity is always a challenge 

After consulting with members, volunteers, staff and trustees we have new signage that feels up to date and in keeping with the Creative Living Centre message.

We are very lucky to have digital volunteers who are incredibly talented and we are thankful to Sam who has designed ours. After many months, many emails, redesigns and adjustments our signage is now on the building for all to see.

Great work everyone!