Emma started a community arts project, Let’s Shape Our Creativity CIC, last year. She focuses on calming, mindful arts sessions and children’s events too.
Her CIC’s aim is: Providing the community with art and craft-based activities, to help promote positive mental health.
Emma works in lots of different venues across the borough and hosts events like Sip n Paint, Portrait Workshops, Glass Painting, Children’s Parties and much more.
She has now been awarded £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund!
Emma said: "I'm ecstatic! We will be running our new project shortly, 'Community Crafting for Wellbeing', within the Wigan Borough over the next year - offering FREE sessions within these already wonderful venues we have everywhere.
“Honestly, I can not tell you how thrilled I am to announce this 4 days before the 1 year anniversary of the incorporation of Let's SHAPE Our Creativity CIC.
“I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many inspiring and supportive people who have helped me along my journey this last 12 months.
"Huge, huge thank you to #nationallottery for giving us this opportunity to grow and reach more of you.”
Emma's GRoW journey
Emma has been to our events – she came to our very first one! – and has secured small pots of our funding for her projects, meeting lots of like-minded people and connecting with others in the social enterprise arena in Wigan Borough.
Her funding enabled her to invest in materials and pay for tables which allowed her to expand into offering children’s parties.
She added: “It all started with GRoW! And I've done exactly that. Honestly so grateful ...not just for the money, but the wonderful people I connected with at your GRoW events!”
We are so happy for Emma, she can now expand her projects in the future and ensure she reaches more people across the Wigan Borough.
The benefits to the community are massive – Emma is helping to improve mental health, reducing isolation, increasing creativity and creating a really positive and welcoming environment for people to have these rich experiences.
We encourage everyone to give Let’s Shape Our Creativity on social media and attend an event when you can!