People in the UK fear that they will experience loneliness during the cost-of-living crisis, revealed a recent study
A crafting class in the Valleys is helping people tackle loneliness this winter as the cost-of-living crisis hits.
Around 64% of people said they were worried that the rising cost of living will meaningfully impact their social life this winter, resulting in them feeling lonely, according to a study by The Cares Family
Ian Wyatt, who has run the card-making classes since 2009 in Aberbargoed, said that many of his customers have booked their classes months in advance in order to have something to look forward to.
The importance of socialising is more important than ever during the darker and colder months.
Arts and crafts is a great form of gentle activity. The card-making classes at Valleys Craft offer a space for relaxed socialising with likeminded people in order to tackle loneliness and low mental health, said Wyatt.
Some of the designs created in the card-making classes:
Wyatt said: “We wanted to build a friendly and community space where people can learn new things and meet new people,
“We only have around 10 people per class”, Wyatt said. “We keep the numbers small so it’s intimate and not overwhelming for people who are still adjusting to life post-pandemic”.
It means we can build a relationship with our customers as well, he said and that everyone is more comfortable when they see familiar faces in the classes.
Marea Wysom, a member of the monthly classes for the last two years, said: “We always enjoy ourselves there, it’s a chance to do something that I wouldn’t usually do”.
She added that it was always great to see new and familiar faces and is something that she looks forward to and help her get through her week.
Art and crafts classes in Cardiff: