Community Wellbeing — Ceramics for Wellbeing
Course overview
Discover the endless possibilities of clay in this ceramics for wellbeing course.
Our welcoming ceramics workshop is a relaxed environment to learn all aspects of pottery. You will work at your own pace throughout your pottery journey, under the guidance of our experienced tutor under the guidance of our expert tutor Rafa Borja.
Ceramics for Wellbeing aims to boost confidence and improve mental and emotional well-being. The sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to explore creativity, learn new techniques, and enjoy working with clay. Clay is a natural medium, collected from the earth and offers touch therapy. You’ll benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment, connecting with others who share your interest.
You are welcome to join all or any of the following Saturday mornings afternoons, from 10am-12pm:
2024: 5, 12, 19 October 9, 16, 23 November, 7, 14 December
2025: 18 January, 1, 8, 15 February, 8, 15, 22, 29 March, 3, 10, 24 May, 7, 14, 28 June.
Please note: this course runs term-time only
Our Community Wellbeing Programme offers a series of free, government-funded courses to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence, and improve mental wellbeing for adults aged 19 and over (at the start of the course). Participation can help those managing mental health conditions that have a mild-moderate impact on their day-to-day lives. By taking part in Wellbeing Programmes, individuals will receive support in progressing their creative skills and interests to the next level as well as tools to help manage wellbeing on a daily basis. For further details and terms and conditions please view our Community Wellbeing page.
You will explore the properties of clay and learn techniques, such as:
- forming using pinching and coiling techniques, that can be used to build anything you like
- joining techniques
- decoration (slip trailing, glazing, on-glaze painting and slip-glazing)
You will learn through a variety of methods, including:
- formal instruction
- discussion
- individual tuition
- practical demonstration
- practical experience
All clay, tools and glazes will be provided.
In order to aid your learning, please bring along the following:
- a sketchbook and something to write with
- a towel
- flat shoes
- an apron/wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting messy
- enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to learn
You may also wish to bring a pair of washing-up gloves, hand cream and a dust mask.
You must wear flat shoes as this is a safety requirement. Working with clay can get very messy!
Why not take your creative journey further? Activate Learning offers a wide variety of art courses, diplomas, and degrees that you can progress into once your confidence has grown. These courses are suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in the creative industries or explore their skills further.
Our Wellbeing Programme courses are separate from our main adult learning courses and are tailored to support your wellbeing, progressing interests and skills. For further details and terms and conditions please view our Community Wellbeing page.
Please note: Each learner must commit to an Individual Learning Plan, which will be reviewed at three points in the year. Your tutor will have a 1:1 conversation with you to identify your goals and outcomes for the year ahead. This will be reviewed at the end of the year, and your tutor will discuss your next steps with you.
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting BYAEL65D0
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.
