Crafty Teacup Creative Hub gains from HPC Community Fund

The Crafty Teacup Creative Hub, located in Victoria Street, aims to support people from Burnham and Highbridge who are experiencing social isolation.

It provides a space for people to meet, attend events, and learn new skills, including arts and crafts, cooking, and stress management. 

In recent years, the hub has seen an increase in clients and customers who have experienced mental illness and loneliness, and adults with disabilities.

The hub was awarded a grant of £4,199 from the HPC Community Fund, which is administered by the Somerset Community Foundation.

The funding has been used to buy new furniture and to expand its workshop area.

The fund awards money to community groups and organisations based near the Hinkley Point C development.

Gill Hills, who owns the creative hub, said: "The Crafty Teacup is here to support the local community and families who have moved from Bridgwater to Highbridge recently - often due to lack of affordable housing.

"We’re here for anyone who is interested in learning new skills.

"Our learning sessions are a great alternative for those who are reluctant to take part in more formal education, because of financial constraints or other difficulties.

"Our centre has become a real community hub and is a great source of comfort to many local people who want to learn new skills and socialise."

Crafty Teacup attendees with their creations. Picture: Somerset Community Foundation

Regular socialisation helps improve mental health, make people feel happier, and lowers the risk of dementia. 

Over 9,000 people are estimated to have dementia in Somerset, and this figure is expected to almost double to around 18,000 by 2035. 

Val Bishop, the Somerset Community Fund's programmes director, said: “We’re delighted that the HPC Community Fund grant has enabled The Crafty Teacup to increase the level of support on offer by upgrading their workshop spaces.

"Since the pandemic, it has become more and more important for us to help groups to provide spaces within the community that allow people to reconnect.

"Loneliness and isolation remain challenges for all ages and The Crafty Teacup really does have something for everyone.  

"Like many organisations in the voluntary sector, The Crafty Teacup is playing an important role in rebuilding their local community."

Andrew Cockcroft, senior community relations manager at Hinkley Point C, added: "The Crafty Teacup is just one of the many projects and organisations benefitting from the Hinkley Point C Community Fund.

"We’re proud of the continued difference we are making to lives across Somerset."

The Hinkley Point C Community Fund provides funding for projects and initiatives that mitigate the impacts of the Hinkley Point C build and work to improve quality of life and wellbeing in their communities. 

For applications for funding from the HPC Small Grants programme to be considered at the next award meeting, they must be submitted by Wednesday, March 30 . 

For more information, visit: www.hpcfunds.co.uk.