Category: One-Off Sessions

Wellbeing Day: 26th November

Save the Date! Saturday 26th November we are hosting a wellbeing day in collaboration with the WEA, Pillars of Wellness & Wellbeing CIC and POP Collectives funding.

The day will offer stalls, workshops and speakers, and entry is free. We are pleased to be working with Lauren Packham from Pillars of Wellness and Wellbeing to organise this event.

Wellness Day

A full day of wellness focused talks and workshops, with stallholders in wellbeing-related fields.

Location: Universty of Plymouth, the Roland Levinsky building.

Date: 26th November 2022

This is an event for anyone looking to make positive changes to their lives. So many of us have struggled over the last couple of years. Mental health services are at breaking point, and you may find you are either ‘not sick enough’ to get help, or you are on an extremely long waiting list. But there are many things we can do to help ourselves, and coming to this event could provide you with a valuable piece of information that could really help you and your wellbeing.

You will hear talks given by specialistss in their fields and you will have the opportunity to meet  with various service providers of wellness and wellbeing services.

We have been fortunate enough to receive grant finding, which means we can make the event completely free (tickets would be sold for £35 each if this was not the case). However, you can donate if you wish – donations will go to the Plymouth Samaritans. Just enter the amount you wish to donate when booking (you can enter £0 if you do not wish to donate), or you can give on the day.

Booking is not essential but is advised if you want to attend for the full day (highly recommended!). We kindly ask that you do not book unless you will 100% be attending.

We also have a FREE LUNCH available for the first 50 people who book.

By registering in advance (and of course, attending!), you will be entered into the prize draw to win one of the fantastic prizes. You will need to attend to be entered into the prize draw, so be sure to give us your name and email address on the way in.

We will have four presentations on the following topics and how they can have a positive impact and play a key role in mental health and wellbeing:

1) Creativity

2) Qi Gong

3) Nutrition

4) Nature

There will also be a  short video on polyvagal theory which explains how we can utilise this to have a positive imapct on our bodies. Trauma and stress are held in the body, and the vagus nerve is pivitol in releasing them.

Mindful Art club will deliver a creative workshop and qi gong session and we will have a yoga class followed by a meditation session in the latter part of the day.

Book Now.

New: Online Art Club

Back by popular demand: A supportive, monthly, online session offering creativity and good company: A short mindful meditation and an easy art project.

No art experience required! Friendly and informal. Just grab a coffee and join in. Hosted by art club founders Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson.

Last Tuesday of the month 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Our first event will be a spook-tacular Halloween session! Early bird tickets are available at just £5.00 until October 18th – after that the full price is £6.50.

Connect with others, and discover new ways of practising self-care through easy art and mindfulness exercises. Practice being here in the present moment, and accept where you are right now, without self-judgement.

We start with a brief chat about how everyone is feeling*, then a short guided mindfulness session, followed by a simple art activity that anyone can do. We offer a different art project each session. Our mission is to make mindfulness more fun! We’re not teaching art techniques, we’re just here to play. (*You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to.)

You will need some felt tip pens, some plain paper and an (optional) cup of tea or coffee – or witches brew!

You will also need to download Zoom, free video-conferencing software, to your computer, tablet or smart phone, before the day. https://zoom.us

After payment you will receive an email from Eventbrite saying, “Check the event page for all the information you need to join.” The link in that email will take you to a page with the Zoom invite. *Check your spam folder, notifications folder or promotions tab for the email!*

Ticket sales end 10 minutes before the event starts.

Book your place at our online art club now.

Don’t miss out. Join our Facebook group for more special events and offers https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulArtClub

Boost your mental health today by downloading free mindful art activities at our website https://mindfulartclub.co.uk

Free Mental Health Workshops

Mental Health Connections: Learning from each other and finding what fits’, is taking place on Sunday 9th October 11:00-16:00 at Devonport Guildhall.
This event is part of the Messages from the HeARTlands exhibition in collaboration with Hope in the Heart and The Intersection.

Grassroots mental health organisations from around Plymouth will be gathering to share their knowledge and support through a number of workshops and talks throughout the day. You’ll also have the chance to see the incredible artwork and stories shared about lived experience in the exhibition.

Mindful Art Club will be offering a free session at 1.00pm. Other workshops include sound therapy and Soul Singers.

There’s no need to book for the event, however if you’d like to take part in any of the workshops listed please head to this link  to book because there are limited spaces for each one.

We look forward to seeing you there. Join our mailing list to find out about other free events to boost your mental health.

National Lottery Funds Art Retreat

We held a one day Mindful Art Retreat for 10 people in the picturesque village of Plympton St Maurice on Sunday 21st August 2022. The day included guided mindfulness, art activities, a buffet lunch and a nature walk.

Our aim is to tackle social isolation and common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. We do this by offering weekly peer support, guided mindfulness, mindful drawing (which is drawing with your eyes closed!) and a simple art project that anyone can do. At its simplest, our aim is to get people together to talk and be creative.

The National Lottery funding has made a great impact on our regular clients at the Plympton group who were invited to a Mindful Art Retreat. This event was also supported by The London Inn, who provided a space free of charge, and a lovely buffet (not free!)

Participant Feedback

Super day with a lovely group of genuine, fun and open minded people. Good mixture of both art and mindfulness activities. Loved being outside in nature; sunny afternoon doing natural mandala, and wonderful sat under a tree in the rain sharing and creating. Feeling much more relaxed and enjoyed the company very much. Fab lunch! Structured programme, but entirely relaxed pace. Thanks MAC. – Participant

I have been feeling quite overwhelmed, but am leaving the retreat feeling much better and feeling like a person in my own right again. The activities were very useful in promoting a sense of calm. I feel a sense of belonging now after chats with others, and don’t feel so embarrassed about what is happening in my life, as others have difficult problems too. It has given me a sense of being able to share my thoughts and feelings, and helping to maintain my mental health. – Participant

We had a lovely mindful art retreat day, with lovely people. We had a wonderful buffet lunch followed by cake later in the afternoon. Did lots of projects indoors and out, with nature. I felt very relaxed at the end of the day. It was very well organised by the ladies that run mindful art. I thank the National Lottery for their help. – Participant.

I have really enjoyed the mindful retreat day. Great company, that really has helped me to feel connected and accepted. I particularly enjoyed drawing the vase and feeding through foliage. I left feeling uplifted, hopeful and happy. – Participant.

A brilliant relaxing and chilled out day. Well organised, plenty of great company. Enjoyed all the different projects, activities and fun. The buffet was really tasty and well presented. Thank you for a great day, it will be in my memory for a long time. Mindful Art Group is my life saver, thank you. – Participant

Buffet by www.londoninnpub.co.uk.

Had a lovely day today with a wonderful group of people. I felt a bit wobbly yesterday and this morning, strangely nervous about today. However, I am so glad that I am a part of this. We had mindful meditation throughout the day with art activities both inside (due to the weather) and outside in nature. It was lovely to spend time eating food together and sharing how we are feeling. This group has meant a great deal to me and long may it continue. It has really helped me with my mental health in a kind, gentle way. – Counselling degree student and Mindful Art Club volunteer.

A great opportunity to have the space and support to go inwards and be reflective, surrounded by people that listen and hold the space. A day filled with nourishment for the body and mind with food and cake, along with the creative art activities out in nature – a gift. Thank you! – Retreat participant

Read more about our mindful art retreats.

Two Free Art Sessions This Saturday

The village of Plympton St Maurice is getting ready for the return of our popular midsummer festival on Saturday 18th June. Peggy, and volunteers Joanna and Maria, will be hosting a Mindful Art Club stall at the Lamb Feast, so come along and have a chat, have a go at some art, and see the art that has been created in our weekly groups at The Brook Inn, Plympton. You can also find out about our free art groups, evening courses, retreats and staff wellbeing sessions.

Alternatively, come and meet Lee and Emma who are offering a zen doodles workshop at Plymouth Wellness Fair on 18th June. Come and join in with this free mindful art session to see for yourself how it can really lift your mood. There is no artistic talent required! You can also hear special guest experts deliver presentations, speak to wellbeing champions and explore the range of stallholders for all things wellness and wellbeing. This is an event for anyone looking to make positive changes to their lives. If you have any questions about mindful art you can chat to Lee and Emma on our stall.

Find out more: Plymouth Wellness Fair

Plymouth Wellness Fair | 18 Jun, 09:30 – 17:00 Devonport, Devonport Guildhall, Ker St, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4EL

Read more about Plympton St Maurice Lamb Feast: Midsummer Festival

Book your place at the Mindful Art Retreat, held in Plympton St Maurice, Sunday 3rd July.

Come to our free weekly art group, 11.00am on Thursday mornings at The Brook Inn, Plympton.

Next Art Retreat: 3rd July

Would you like to join us for a day of laughter, conversation, mindfulness and art, surrounded by the peacefulness of nature?

  • Guided mindfulness
  • Qi Gong
  • Simple art activities
  • Nature walk


Read more: Mindful Art Retreat

On Sunday 3rd July 2022 we invite you to:

  • Step away from daily distractions
  • Take some time to relax and rejuvenate
  • Enjoy the company of like-minded people
  • Rediscover your sense of inner peace

Places are limited to only eight people and we expect this to be very popular. 

If you are interested book now to avoid disappointment. 

The retreat takes place in the picturesque village of Plympton St Maurice, near Plymouth, in South Devon. Outdoor activities are held in public green spaces; lunch is served in the local Guildhall. Most of the event is outdoors but can be moved to our indoor venue in the case of rain. 

Includes coffees, teas and lunch of crusty bread, homemade cakes and a selection of cheeses, houmous, olives and fruit.

Reserve your place now.

We can’t wait to see you this summer!

Peggy and Emma

[Video] Mindful Art Retreat

We still have some places left on our mindful art one day retreat on Sunday 3rd July 2022.

I really benefitted from the retreat. Like I said at the end, the variety and balance in the design was spot on. The group’s size also meant it felt really comfortable to share more honestly and openly. I really noticed that once one person revealed something difficult they were experiencing, it automatically gave permission for others to do the same… then that ripple effect builds trust and authenticity in the group. There’s so much power in that.

I wanted to thank you particularly for being great leaders – you are both disarming and so accessible and let the group take a natural path of development. I never felt rushed or pressured.

The day made me think about that Marianne Williamson quote… “As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.”

Lorna (Retreat Participant, 2021)

In this video Peggy asked George, Joanna and Jennie what they thought of our small mindful art retreat, in July 2020.

Find out more: Mindful Art Retreats in South Devon.

Coming Soon: Plymouth Wellness Fair

Lee and Emma are looking forward to offering a zen doodles workshop at Plymouth Wellness Fair on 18th June 2022. Come along and join in with this free mindful art session to see for yourself how it can really lift your mood. There is no artistic talent required!

You can also hear special guest experts deliver presentations, speak to wellbeing champions and explore the range of stallholders for all things wellness and wellbeing. This is an event for anyone looking to make positive changes to their lives. If you have any questions about mindful art you can chat to Lee and Emma on our stall.

Founder of the Pillars of Wellness and Wellbeing CIC, Lauren Packham, says,

“So many of us have struggled over the last couple of years, and if you work and have children, you will feel this more than most. Mental health services are at breaking point, and if you work chances are you are ‘not sick enough’ to get help, or you are on an extremely long waiting list. But there are many things we can do to help ourselves, and coming to this event could provide you with a valuable piece of information that could really help you and your wellbeing.”

Free tickets are available for those on a low income. £3 (+34p booking fee) to book in advance. Pre-booked ticket holders will be entered into a prize draw. Those who come via public transport or walk will receive an additional prize draw entry, Lunch is included for the first 50 people who book a donation/paid ticket.

Find out more: Plymouth Wellness Fair

Plymouth Wellness Fair | 18 Jun, 09:30 – 17:00 Devonport, Devonport Guildhall, Ker St, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4EL

Plympton Lamb Feast Returns!

The village of Plympton St Maurice is getting ready for the return of our popular midsummer festival on Saturday 18th June. Peggy, and volunteer Joanna, will be hosting a Mindful Art Club stall at the Lamb Feast, so come along and have a chat, have a go at some art, and see the art that has been created in our weekly groups at The Brook Inn, Plympton. You can also find out about our free art groups, evening courses, retreats and staff wellbeing sessions.

The Lamb Feast has been held for hundreds of years on the Castle Green, beside the ruins of the Norman castle. The village will be decorated with bunting, the green will be busy with food, craft, cake and plant stalls, charity stalls, swing boats, vintage cars, a dog show, a tug of war and dance displays. After two years with no festival we can’t wait for it to return!

Read more about what’s on: Midsummer Festival

Book your place at the Mindful Art Retreat, held in Plympton St Maurice, Sunday 3rd July.

Come to our free weekly art group, 11.00am on Thursday mornings at The Brook Inn, Plympton.

Now Offering NHS Staff Wellbeing

Would you like to try mindfulness in your workplace?

Want your staff to feel valued and listened to?

Want to increase staff productivity and reduce sick leave?

We offer groups on line, one-off sample sessions, and a six week staff wellbeing programme. We also offer an outdoor mindful art retreat as a staff away day.

On 12th May 2022, for Mental Health Awareness Week we hosted a zoom session for NHS staff from Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

I really enjoyed the session, and am feeling very relaxed and creative. I will definitely use this drawing technique in the future. I will also try to take more time out to try and relax, and release tension. Brilliant guidance.

Lisa, NHS staff, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

Mental health difficulties are the biggest cause of sickness absence in this country (Health and Sickness Executive, 2018). So poor mental health costs employers money. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems.  But major changes or challenges in life, such as bereavement, relationship problems, having a baby, debt or a workplace restructure may also affect mental health.

“The Mindful Art Club was a great session that I enjoyed participating in. The first five minutes of meditation and breathing exercises were great for me. I could feel all my worries and stresses leaving my body if only for those five minutes.”

Gary Furzeland from Clinical Engineering, and one of the hospital’s People Wellbeing Champions

Fantastic session thank you. Am feeling super chilled.

Jen, NHS staff, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

If you’d like to offer mindful art to your team contact us today!