A Creative Lifeline: Netta’s Story at Craft Café Edinburgh

Wed 06th May 2026

At Impact Arts, creativity is more than just an activity, it’s a way to connect, build confidence, and improve wellbeing at every stage of life. One of the ways this comes to life is through Craft Café, a welcoming weekly arts group for older people living in care settings.

Based at Viewpoint Care Homes, Craft Café brings residents together in a relaxed, supportive environment where they can explore different art forms, express themselves, and just as importantly, enjoy each other’s company.

What is Craft Café?

Craft Café is designed specifically for older adults, including those living in care homes. Led by experienced artists, each session introduces a range of accessible activities, from painting and collage to textiles and mixed media. There’s no pressure, no expectation, and no need for prior experience, just an open invitation to take part.

But Craft Café is about much more than making art. It creates space for conversation, connection, and shared experience. For residents, it offers a meaningful routine, a sense of purpose, and the chance to try something new in a safe and encouraging setting.

Why It Matters

For many older people, particularly those living in care, opportunities for creative expression and social interaction can be limited. Craft Café helps to change that.

The workshops support mental wellbeing, reduce feelings of isolation, and encourage self-expression. They can spark memories, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Something as simple as sitting together and creating can have a profound impact, turning a quiet afternoon into a moment of joy, laughter, and connection.

For some, like Netta, it becomes something even more powerful.

Netta’s Story

Netta has been attending Craft Café at Marian House for over nine years. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into something she now looks forward to every week.

“9 years. Curiosity at first. Once I attended, couldn’t wait to go back!”

From her very first sessions, Netta found a welcoming and encouraging environment that helped her see her own creative potential in a new light.

“The staff are so welcoming and coffee is so good. Made me feel like I wasn’t as totally useless as I thought I was at drawing and painting. I’ve been persuaded to try all sorts of media and types of pictures, some with a little more success than others. I’ve even sold some!”

Her experience reflects one of the core strengths of Craft Café – creating a space where people feel safe to try, learn, and grow, no matter their starting point.

“It’s so relaxed and the Impact Arts staff are so good and encouraging. There’s lots of laughter too so that can’t be bad! Craft Café is away from the general business of the home and so relaxing. Though relaxing, it can be hardworking too.”

Making a Difference Every Week

Stories like Netta’s highlight the real difference creative programmes can make in care settings. Craft Café isn’t just an activity to fill time, it’s a space where residents can feel valued, inspired, and connected.

Through simple, creative moments, residents rediscover confidence, build friendships, and experience the kind of joy that comes from making something with their own hands.

At Impact Arts, that’s what creativity is all about.

You can learn more about life at Viewpoint Care Home on their website or get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how our creative programmes like Craft Café are enriching later life.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

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