

Community Wellbeing Online — A Creative Journey
Course overview
THIS IS AN ONLINE COURSE
Maybe you have not drawn or sketched in years, or just want to be creative? Why not try out something new?
Join our Community Wellbeing Online course if you love to practice drawing and experimenting using a variety of techniques and media, in combination with mindfulness, guided by Louise Anderson, an artist, creative arts tutor – who formerly worked and taught within healthcare for over 20 years.
This is an opportunity to take time out from your busy day, to be in the moment by mindfully sitting, being still and creating awareness by learning to use your breath to enhance your observational skills – letting go of the need to be perfect.
You will be set projects to complete between sessions to build on what you have learned in class.
No prior knowledge or experience is required, just an interest and curiosity to experiment and learn new creative techniques. You can spend as little or as much time between each class, but it is suggested that daily practice will help you relax and develop your creative practice.
Community Wellbeing Online – A Creative Journey 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 the art of painting and drawing. You’ll benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment, connecting with others who share your interests.
The small group size ensures personalised attention and feedback. You can share your work, gain insights from others, and develop your skills in a collaborative atmosphere. Each session is interactive and hands-on, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice and refine your techniques.
We are offering a 90 minute session on TUESDAY EVENINGS from 7pm-8.30pm. You can attend as many of the sessions as you wish!
2024: 12, 19, 26 November, 3, 10, 17 December.
2025: 14, 21, 28 January, 4, 11, 25 February, 4, 11, 18, 25 March, 1, 22,29 April, 6, 13, 20 May, 3, 10, 17, 24 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.
Each session begins with a brief catch-up, followed by a gentle relaxation exercise to help you let go of the day and focus on the session. You will then be guided through the session, learning new techniques and skills that will help you practice these in your daily life by using a creative journal or sketchbook. As the session draws to a close, you have a chance to show your work, too. It may be online, but there is a strong sense of community.
Each ONLINE session is designed as a standalone, but it will benefit you to attend all sessions to develop your skills and create a creative habit.
You will be encouraged to sketch daily and take inspiration by using your observational skills: still life, music, poetry, nature, and the world around you.
Your tutor will demonstrate mindfulness techniques related to creativity. You will then be calmly guided through different exercises and have opportunities to ask questions.
At the end of the session, you will set more practical work to continue your artistic ventures outside the class and develop your techniques further.
You will need an electronic device (mobile phone, tablet or computer) with an internet connection.
Material costs approx. £25.00
- Sketch book – A4 that comprises of cartridge paper
- Drawing pencils – B, 2B, 6B
- Biros that you use for writing – black, blue or any that you have lying around
- Felt pens – just a basic pack that contains 5-10 colours
- Newspaper/Magazines for cutting up
- Simple box of watercolour OR acrylic paints – Ideally containing colours – red, blue, yellow, black, white, brown, green
- Paint brushes – a small selection
- Scissors for cutting paper
- Glue stick
- Air drying clay – a small pack
- Old shirt or apron
Most of these materials can be bought online or in shops such as The Works or local art shops.
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 Learning 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 3AXADUA96R

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.