NetPark Wellbeing provides art wellbeing sessions for people living with dementia, as well as people with mental illness, depression and learning difficulties.

It’s run by Emma Mills - a qualified Art Psychotherapist and Ian Wilson – a dementia activities facilitator, along with volunteers.

Metal currently run 2 NetPark Wellbeing art groups per day, with up to 9 participants attending each group. And the classes do truly amazing things for those who take part.

Of the 850 participants who’ve been involved in the project since it started in 2016, 73% said their self-confidence has improved, 82% said their symptoms of social isolation have reduced and 82% said symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress had improved. 62% of participants asked said since coming to the project their visits to their GP or crisis team had reduced.

And that impact extends beyond the participants too. Over the last year, the classes have provided 1472 hours of free respite to dementia carers.

Unfortunately, with ongoing budget cuts, the future of projects like this are never guaranteed. Although offered for free, there are a lot of costs associated with running the classes - staffing fees, art materials and volunteers' travel costs. Without additional money, some of the classes may be forced to close.

And that’s why I started the Secret Postcard Sale. “NetPark Wellbeing is doing so much good for people who’ve been dealt a really difficult hand - it’s so important that projects like this keep going. Sadly my lovely dad has dementia and the NetPark Wellbeing classes would have been perfect for him. Although the timing meant my dad wasn’t able to benefit from them, the difference it’s making to so many people's lives is huge. It’s so important that we get behind projects like this.”

Although all the Golden Tickets to win one of the postcards have now sold out, if you'd still like to donate through this page to this amazing cause, that would be fantastic, thank you so much.

Becky X