What do you think is the most overshadowed way art and creativity can help mental health & wellbeing? The more I’ve led and learned, the more I feel that making art or craft to share and give away needs to be promoted. Yes, a lot of this happens, but more publicity and cooperation would encourage more of us to have a go, more of the time.
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That’s why I’m starting a new initiative, the Make To Give Challenge.
When I was wondering what to call this new initiative, I considered all different possibilities, all to do with sharing, connecting, community and making a difference. In the end I settled on Make To Give as something clear that sums up what it’s all about. Spend a little of your time making (a card, a decoration, a picture) then give away what you make, as a random act of kindness. The logo shows hands, because hands make and give.
The Challenge’s first callout is for this Christmas, asking people to make just one Christmas card or decoration and give it away to a care home, a support group or befriending organisation. And tell everyone about the Challenge to help it grow!
Why then do I think making to give is so beneficial and so overshadowed? Well, it doubles the benefits. Not only I the maker being creative (which is known to calm, lift mood and boost imagination) but they’re also more likely to feel fulfilled as giving away what they make adds a sense of purpose and connection. Diverse studies have shown that helping others can help us too, easing stress and overthinking and changing perspectives for a little while. The power of connecting in community is well known too, while the perils of isolation and loneliness weaken physical and mental health. So connecting through creativity is a gift that will go on giving.
Moreover, it should help recipients’ wellbeing too. Being given a handmade card or other item is stimulating, sharing colour and image, and can make people feel remembered and part of a community, all the more when it’s made by a stranger. It’s nice to know that somebody you don’t even know took the trouble to create something for you to enjoy. It would also be good if likely recipients wanted to have a go at making and giving themselves – for example, care home residents could make a card to give to another local care home. Completing the circle, and doubling the benefits once more.
And why do I feel it’s overshadowed? Art for wellbeing takes many forms, but expressing thoughts and feelings is sometimes prioritised (as in journaling). Or using creativity to calm down, maybe drawing abstract patterns or colouring in. Even where people do give away what they make, it’s not easy to find out about opportunities, and there’s no central network or organisation.
I hope the Make To Give Challenge will continue beyond Christmas, with two or three callouts through the year, on different themes. And I have ideas for other ways it could grow and expand too. But it all depends on you and others like you having a go. Do let me know if you take part: use the contact form here https://medley.live/contact or post your creations on social media tagged #maketogivechallenge
It may seem a simple idea, but it’s also a practical, tangible way to connect through creativity.
