What we have achieved in just 6 months!

Within just 6 months, we have made significant strides in galvanising residents into community action by promoting a positive and creative vibe through gathering, events, and artwork of course!

•  Creative Workshops for All Ages

From glass painting to crochet, wreath making to water colours, we’ve hosted a variety of creative sessions for adults, children, and families at various venues including care homes, library, the local primary school and community centre.  We have established a permanent presence at Lillington Library to enable easy access to our workshops for residents to de-stress, learn new skills, and make meaningful connections with their neighbours.

• Strengthening Local Action

We organised the 1^st community gathering that attracted over 50 local residents who are keen to promote the environmental agenda.  The event planted the seeds for a more connected and vibrant community spearheaded by CLEAN (Cubbington&Lillington Environmental Action Now).  We are looking forward to work in partnership with CLEAN towards a ’10,000 Sunflower’ planting project that will brighten up Lillington and instil pride of place.   We have also supported groups of litter pickers, gardeners, and walkers to raise their profile and strengthened bonds within the community while supporting local environmental efforts.

• Brightening up Lillington

To bring colour to the streets and foster a sense of local pride we commissioned renowned muralist KatieO. to create a sunflower mural at The Crest, and we recycled plastics to create a Sunflower installation for roundabout by the library.  Bringing Lillington Makers into the community and making their art visible and accessible is a hugely important element of our work, and we have received numerous appreciative and enthusiastic comments by residents that have raised the self-esteem and confidence of participants.

• Reaching out to all residents

Lillington Connect Facebook page was initiated in 2022 by residents but then quickly became inactive.  Since we have taken it over, 700 residents have joined and there is a regular flow of relevant information about groups and services, as well as uplifting updates on activities.

Why This Matters

Our Lillington Makers programme is more than just an arts&crafts group; it’s a vehicle for reducing social isolation and improving the mental health of residents. 43% of participants joined to meet new people and socialise more, with many reporting improved mental well-being as a result of their involvement. By offering a safe, supportive space for people to come together, we are building a stronger, more connected community.

The workshops are also a platform to identify residents who may need further support. 15 out of 37 participants this quarter faced challenges such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and caring responsibilities​. By signposting them to specialist services and providing peer support, we ensure that Lillington Makers goes beyond creativity to offer practical help.

What to look forward to in the future!

Our ambition for the future is to empower residents to continue this momentum and grow community empowerment. Over the next three years, we will:

• Encourage residents to come up with their own ideas and solutions to change the negative reputation that has been clinging to Lillington for many years.
• Support individuals and groups at the grassroots to deliver their own community projects and raise their profile in Lillington.
• develop effective communication channels such as social media, website, noticeboards, so that everyone is informed and able to take part. We are committed to rekindling word of mouth so the most vulnerable and those who are digitally inactive can be reached.
• work alongside our community partners to create more artwork, more events, more activities, more fun! Together, we’ll develop activities that enrich the community and promote mental well-being.

How You Can Get Involved

You can meet us every Tuesday for the weekly group of Lillington Makers at the library.  Everyone is most welcome to join in or just come for a cuppa and biccy! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone looking to try something new, come and say hello. Our workshops are free, and we provide all the materials you need. To find out about our current art project  follow Lillington Connect on Facebook where you will find info about upcoming events and projects in the area.