Creative group aimed at tackling isolation launches at Sherburn Hill

A creative group aimed at fostering friendship and tackling isolation has launched at Sherburn Hill Salvation Army. 

The weekly Cameo (come and meet each other), which takes place every Tuesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, offers people the chance to take part in activities and games or work on their own creative projects, whilst enjoying a cuppa, a chat, and occasional singalong. 

Sherburn Hill church leader Lieutenant Georgia Smith said they had identified there was a lot of loneliness and isolation within the community, and felt God was calling them to open up their space. 

Georgia said: “A lot of people will bring craft projects, knitting or card making, and we provide games, jigsaws, and colouring, but there’s no pressure. People can just come along, have a cup of tea, some cake and be with others. 

“What’s been amazing is seeing people come alive in their talents and their gifts, and to see everyone encourage each other. 

“It's a really great space where people can come and do life together. We have a laugh, we sometimes have a singalong, we'll start singing some of the old choruses. God's really blessed this space.” 

At a recent session around 15 people had gathered together, some were painting and colouring, others were making cards or doing wordsearches. 

David, who leads on some of the craft projects and makes thing to sell to raise funds for The Salvation Army, was busy making a small scale model of The Salvation Army building, while Dorothy was drawing some beautiful birds. 

Dorothy said: “Art is my happy, calm place. I've got a lot of stress on at the minute, but when I come here, it's just me with something to draw. If I was at home, I’d be feeling guilty or finding jobs to do, but this gets me out of the house for an hour.” 

Olive, who was making cards, said being there on a Tuesday gives her chance to catch up with people. She said: “I’m here on a Sunday, but I don’t get chance to talk to people, so this is a time when we can sit and talk. You can sit anywhere and have a conversation, it’s about company.”

Karen, who struggles with her mental health, said: “It’s therapeutic, it helps me a lot. Especially with my mental health, getting out and about is really important. It helps to be with people. I do a lot of things, I like making cards, keyrings and colouring.” 

For Evelyn, it’s a chance to see her brother Robert, who used to be the bandmaster at Sherburn Hill Salvation Army, and is now living with dementia. He comes with his wife Doris.

Evelyn said: “This is good for all of us, especially my brother. We’re a friendly group and we care about each other. It’s the social side, we come and have a cup of coffee and share a few jokes.” 

The group is open to anyone and takes place each Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm at Sherburn Hill Salvation Army in Front Street. Sherburn Hill runs a number of activities throughout the week including Sunday worship.