Throughout December Monmouthshire County Council has hosted a number of crafternoons – an afternoon devoted to the joys of crafting – raising over £300 for mental health charity Mind. Staff joined many groups across the UK to make a range of Christmas decorations while raising vital funds to ensure no one experiences a mental health problem alone.
A range of locations across the county hosted crafternoons for staff and residents. Teams in the community learning service encouraged learners to take part in book folding sessions as individuals learned how to make Christmas trees out of used books, while Monmouth Community Hub hosted a Christmas lino printing afternoon and created a community mosaic to raise funds for Mind, a cause close to the heart of many people.
Abergavenny’s historic Market Hall was the venue for a festive crafternoon creating beautiful Christmas puddings and robins from pom poms.
Staff at County Hall in Usk were supported by the Abergavenny Crafty Women group who made Christmas decorations from plastic bottle tops and recycled fabric while the Monmouthshire Community Choir performed to generate a seasonal atmosphere.
High-vis heroes at Raglan Depot, including operatives from the waste and recycling team and the county’s highways team, took time out to participate in crafternoon activities including wreath making and recycled paper decorations – a popular choice for all staff. Festive treats and hot chocolate were provided.
The council’s payroll and HR support team at Magor’s Innovation House also hosted a crafternoon with staff crafting beautiful paper decorations. A wealth of festive treats were donated in the lead up to the event and combined in a hamper which was later raffled.
Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Penny Jones said:
“This is a wonderful initiative. Taking time out to sit down and craft is such a positive thing to aid mental health and wellbeing. Mind is such an important charity and the support from staff in our many offices has been tremendous. They really showed their creative sides and joined in the festive spirit too.”
Monmouthshire Mind provides a wealth of information, advice and support to anyone living with a mental health problem. Mind Monmouthshire is located at 28 Monk Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5NP.
Find out more: www.mindmonmouthshire.org.uk
