Craft Café
Craft Café is a creative solution to reducing isolation and loneliness amongst older people. It offers members a safe, social and creative environment were they can learn new skills, renew social networks and reconnect with their communities. Craft Café runs in the Castlemilk and Govan areas of Glasgow and in Viewpoint Care Home in Edinburgh.
“When I’m at Craft Café I am happy, relaxed and at one with like minded people. I can ask for help and am never turned down. Here, I have learned how to paint and I feel pleased with the progress I have made.” Ann - Craft Café Member
Since first opening its doors in 2009 Craft Café has engaged with over 100 people aged between 50 and 90 years old. Through getting involved in Craft Café members have become active in their community once more; this is particularly relevant as The Scottish Government initiative See the Person Not the Age highlighted that 97% of older people are still living within the community with a staggering 73% of people living independently at the age of 97.
“I have made many friends here and become better at things I would never have thought I could do. I have become more positive and friendly since coming here.” Irene - Craft Café Member
Scotland currently has more people over the age of 59 than under 16 and in the next 20 years the number of people over 60 is projected to rise by 54%. In 2009 the Scottish National Forum of Ageing specifically targeted isolation as a significant risk to older people’s mental and physical health recommending engagement in creative activity and life long learning as a solution to this risk.
“Craft Café makes my week — it’s the thing I look forward to the most” Anna - Craft Café Member
Craft Café is open from 10am to 4pm, 3 days per week offering a range of creative activities supported by a professional artist. Craft Café members attend for free and are encouraged to take the lead on their own learning with a constant supply of materials and access to expertise. Craft Café encourages a social entrepreneurial approach through the selling of specially created works at local craft sales and art exhibitions.
“When I’m at Craft Café I feel relaxed and can forget about my other stresses.” Daniel - Café Member
We recently undertook a Social Return on Investment (SROI) to fully evaluate the project and show the financial return on investing in Craft Café. For every one pound that was invested in Craft Café there was a social return of £8.27.
Read the full SROI here and the summary here.
To refer yourself or someone else contact Impact Arts on 0141 575 3001.
