Create & Connect

Aim

We're fundraising to provide new art materials for people with memory changes, dementia, and their carers at Create & Connect in Cheltenham

Create & Connect is a biweekly, inclusive creative wellbeing program taking place in the centre of Cheltenham. It has been running for 8 years, and we are seeking funding to provide new art materials for the group.

Below is a picture of Ashley Letts, helping his wife Leila create a paper butterfly in this snap of a recent Create & Connect session. Memory changes have impacted on Leila’s strong interest in creative hobbies but since coming to Create & Connect they have found a new community and new shared interests. Ashley finds some small respite from his role as 24hr carer for Leila in sessions, and they have both made new friends.  New opportunities and experiences are important at every stage of life, and vital during later life when memory and brain health starts to change.   

2 hour sessions take place bi-weekly on a Friday, at Overton House, a state of the art community venue, and the headquarters of Barnwood Trust. Groups of up to 16 people, with memory changes due to dementia, and their carers meet in creative practice lead by an experienced team comprised of an artist, an assistor and a volunteer. Sessions are an invitation to explore different creative techniques and materials each week, acquire new skills and create artwork. Previous sessions have lead to work being exhibited, and commissioned from the group by Barnwood Trust for their APM. People can self refer, or be referred by a health professional, or from their residential care. At a time when life can feel as if it's closing in we offer people new experiences, and new hope. 

Our goal is to raise £300 to provide new art materials for Create & Connect, so we can keep bringing new experiences to our older community members.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 20th October 2026 at 4:24pm