Contactless Creativity - A volunteer perspective

Contactless Creativity is a project that offers creative activities to those shielding or without access to the internet. Each week a different artist produces creative activities that can be accessed online or, for those who do not have access to the internet, can be delivered as a pack to homes by one of our volunteers. Claire our Development Officer shares her experiences of volunteering for the project.

When the project started last year I was on furlough so I signed up to be one of many volunteers who delivered these creative nuggets to those people not able to access the internet.

The packs include activity sheets and materials for creative tasks such as painting or writing. There is also an audio message from the artist talking participants step by step through a creative exercise, as well as a piece of work created by the artist that they can enjoy at home. For those receiving the packs in person, the activities are printed out and a Dictaphone was included to listen to the audio recordings made by our artists.

Each Wednesday I arrive at 101 to collect the weekly bags and set off to deliver initially packs around Newbury but latterly as far afield as Hungerford and Lambourn. On delivery I would swap this week's for last week's bags. Sometimes these were left on the doorstep, other times I would have a quick catch up with the participants who expressed their delight at the different activities on offer.

It’s a wonderful feeling being part of this exciting and creative project and having sneaked a look into many of the bags and then gone online for instructions I am pleased to report that being creative is very beneficial during this difficult time.

If you, or somebody you know, would be interested in having Contactless Creativity packs delivered to them, please email [email protected] or ring 01635 780798, leave your name and number, and we'll call you back.

Contactless Creativity has been funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Corn Exchange thanks the Government for making this possible. The Corn Exchange is also working with the Community Support Hub to recruit local volunteers to prepare and deliver the Contactless Creativity Packs. If you are interested in joining as a volunteer please e-mail [email protected].

Claire