Where To Find Free Crafting Events For Mental Wellbeing In The UK

Ever get that Monday feeling? The weekend feels like a distant memory, and the week ahead stretches out like a long, boring road. Sometimes, what's needed is a chance to switch off, get your hands busy, and just... make something. The popular UK arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft, is launching a brilliant new initiative called Mindful Mondays, and it's all about boosting wellbeing through the simple joy of creativity. It's a space to unwind, meet people, and focus on something other than school or work stress for an hour. This whole idea stems from a big research project, showing just how much making things can help with mental health.

So, what exactly are mindful mondays?

Think of it as a super-chilled, weekly get-together. From 8th September to 13th October 2025, selected Hobbycraft stores are opening their workshop areas on Monday evenings for anyone who fancies a bit of crafting. This six-week pilot programme is a direct result of the company's Power of Making report, which was created in partnership with the mental health charity Mind. The report highlighted something really interesting: millions of people in the UK are already turning to crafting to feel better, but most of them are doing it all on their own. This new initiative aims to change that by building a community and fostering connection between people who share a love for making things. The goal is to provide support for mental wellbeing in a relaxed, friendly setting, making it one of the most thoughtful crafting events around.

The thinking behind the making

The whole Mindful Mondays concept isn't just a random idea; it's backed by some solid findings. The Power of Making report, which surveyed thousands of people, discovered that a massive 8.8 million Brits use arts and crafts to lower stress and lift their mood. That's a lot of people finding comfort in knitting, painting, or sculpting. The research, carried out between 28th April and 8th May 2025 by Whitestone Insight, a firm recognised by the British Polling Council, also found that 69% of people get a real sense of achievement from their crafting projects. But here's the key bit: eight out of ten people are crafting at home, by themselves. While solo crafting is great, there's a huge opportunity for building connection. The survey even included what's called a booster sample, which is just a fancy way of saying they spoke to an extra group of people who'd recently experienced mental health difficulties, to get a deeper understanding of their experiences. This fantastic initiative is all about taking that solitary source of joy and turning it into a shared one, helping to improve mental wellbeing for everyone involved.

How to get involved in the crafting events

Getting in on the Mindful Mondays action is incredibly easy. The sessions run every Monday from 6 pm to 7 pm, starting on 8th September and finishing on 13th October 2025. Best of all, they are completely free, and there's no need to book. People can just show up. It's designed to be as low-pressure as possible. Attendees are welcome to bring along whatever they're currently working on - whether that's a half-finished scarf, a sketchbook, or a diamond painting kit. And if someone doesn't have any projects on the go? No problem. They can just come along for a chat and maybe get some inspiration or advice for something new. It's open to all ages and all craft abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned experts. The aim is to create a supportive space for creativity and connection. The pilot events are running in ten stores across the UK:

• Altrincham
• Bath
• Chester (in partnership with Geek Retreat)
• Chelmsford
• Edinburgh
• Guiseley
• Norwich
• Salisbury
• Southampton
• Stevenage

The Guiseley store is one of the key locations for this initiative, offering a great opportunity for the local community to come together. Whether it's knitting, drawing, or any other form of crafting, these events are a perfect way to spend a Monday evening.

A word from the boss

It's clear this is a project Hobbycraft is really passionate about. Alex Willson, the CEO, shared his thoughts on the new initiative. He explained that the company has always recognised the positive link between creativity and wellbeing. It's not just about selling crafting supplies; it's about sharing the benefits that come from the act of making. He says:

"At Hobbycraft, we've always believed in the power of creativity to support wellbeing. Mindful Mondays is about opening our doors and offering people a space to unwind, make, and connect. There is no pressure, no sign-up, just a chance to enjoy the benefits of crafting in good company."

The focus is on connection and the simple achievement of making something with your own hands.