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"I am a seasoned chef of twenty-seven years. My career started in 1999 in catering college, since then I have worked in restaurants, hotels, pubs, pop-ups and now in care homes working with beautiful residents living with dementia. Early in 2025, life got a bit too much and my mental health took a turn for the worst. In that time my thoughts became dark and unbearable. 

One day I decided to pick up a pencil to escape these thoughts. I then expanded and started to paint little pictures. The bright colours that I used started to help my anxieties and depression. From there I have really enjoyed painting pictures. When I paint, I kind of get lost in my work, all of the pain and uncomfortable anxiety get put away in a box and colour thrives. When people look at my art it lightens the room up with joy and happiness. My art is very colourful, bold and fun. I would say my work is naive in style. 

I get real joy from seeing people enjoying my works, it gives me further escape from my problems. If you are reading this and you yourself are having issues with your mental health I would urge you to pick up a pencil or a paint brush and see where it could lead you- maybe you could find your escape into art.

 I was had been looking for a venue to display my art for a while, one night I had returned home from work, Sam was walking a dog on our Community Garden. I walked across the grass when we met, we started to talk about the garden and how beautiful it was and how it came about. We talked about the little dog and the fact that Sam was looking after the dog for the evening. We then got to talking about art and the fact that I wanted to display my creations. Sam told me that she ran Tameside Arts Ltd, about the work that they do and wanted to display some art in the café. I was instantly taken by what I heard and wanted to be a part of that. 

I now volunteer one day a week in the art room so I can help with other people’s creations and help them to bring their ideas to life. It is a very rewarding experience every time with something different to do every day. Volunteering has also helped me with my own health. I would urge you to also try volunteering if want to make a difference to a person’s life, even as little as one hour could make somebodies day." 

Karl
Volunteer

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"I found out about Tameside Arts when I saw an ad for an Open Day at the Centre locally so I came along to see if I could help in any way. After chatting to the staff and volunteers, I decided it was something I would like to help with.

The members all get on well together and support each other. Its lovely to see them enjoying their time at the Centre so being part of the team helping them all is very satisfying.

To anyone considering volunteering; give it a go, what have you got to lose? The staff are all lovely and supportive, the clients enjoy their time at the Centre, it’s great that they have somewhere to go that they all like.

I hadn’t had much exposure to adults with additional needs prior to coming to the Centre. I certainly feel much more comfortable among them than I was! And it’s so good to see their interactions amongst each other, as well as with the staff.

What else can I say? The Centre is providing a great place for the people to use. They enjoy being there, we enjoy helping them, so it’s all very positive. "

Geoff
Volunteer

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"I came here for my college placement and I would encourage anyone considering volunteering to do it because it’s a great experience. I have really enjoyed chatting with and getting to know the members here as well as helping everyone with arts and crafts. 

Volunteering has helped me to develop my confidence when communicating with others. It has also improved my teamwork skills

I have really enjoyed my time here; everyone is so lovely and has made me feel welcomed! "

Ruby
Student Volunteer

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"The activities mainly interested me. Being a buddy to the other clients makes me feel important

I was interested in volunteering at Tameside Arts to get involved with activities. I like being a buddy to members, it makes me feel I am doing something important. I also like karaoke on Fridays!

Helping with setting up activities and socialising with clients has helped me build confidence.

I would say to anyone considering volunteering here to go for it! You have nothing to lose and it’s really fun here! "

Jack
Student Volunteer

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"I volunteer at the The Create Connect Centre to gain experience in care work and have gained more confidence in my communication and interpersonal skills! It’s a good community here and everyone is supportive."

Alvin
Volunteer