FREE art and singing sessions in a local village hall are improving wellbeing. Funded by tsiMORAY and the Scottish Government, and run by multimedia artist Andrea Turner, ‘Come and Create’ provides a space for self-expression and companionship at Edinkillie Hall for anyone, including people experiencing health issues or struggling in school, facing loneliness, social isolation and rurality. Andrea was appointed as Small Halls Artist in Residence at Edinkillie Hall by Findhorn Bay Arts’ Combine to Create project in July 2022 - following its success, the Edinkillie Hall committee funded a further project in 2023 and this year secured funding from the Moray Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to run a further 10 sessions.
Andrea said: “They are going really well. I’ve been delighted by the number of people making the effort to attend. “The participants have created a safe and supportive community.
The quality of the conversations around the table is special and heart-warming.” ‘Draw, Write, Sing’ sessions from 2-4pm on Wednesdays invite attendees to be creative in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. They choose which activities to take part in and are also welcome to bring their own projects.
Art and writing materials, as well as refreshments are provided, and songs are suggested by Andrea or the participants themselves. Conversation is as important as the work produced. “A wide age range of people have been attending,” added Andrea, “from a baby.
