The arts have always been a way to promote and strengthen community and social connections and help with our mental health and wellbeing, and since the pandemic struck, it has never been more important to find ways to promote calm and find joy.  

Being creative can also help people to express themselves without words, which is another key element of mental wellbeing - and a big help at this time, especially for children and young people.  

The good news is that Glossop's incredible creative community has pulled together and pivoted to provide loads of incredible events and activities for children to get involved with while we are stuck at home.  

Here's a round-up of our favourites...

‍Dandelion Crafts  

The fabulous Dandelion Crafts in Glossop has been pulling all the stops out for lockdown, with regular activities such as a Monday Makers Club, a Lockdown Lego Club and a Junk Modelling Club too - how amazing? The schedule is bound to get the creative juices flowing amongst your little ones.  

The best way to stay abreast of all the planned activities is to follow the Facebook page, which can be found here, and all sessions are bookable via the website.  

Take Part   

Take Part is an incredible Glossop-based performing arts hub which provides high quality education within performing arts. Its classes encompass all areas from theatre, TV, radio and beyond where participants - aged 3 and above - can learn a wide range of skills in acting, singing, dancing, musicianship, improvisation, public speaking, devising and more.   This week, Take Part is focusing on National Storytelling Week and will be offering free classes to all. You can find out more on their website here.  

‍The Craft Barn  

The wonderful Craft Barn in Hadfield has been keeping our kiddies entertained with Craft Boxes, Virtual Art Shows and much more since the first lockdown last March.  

This week, they are looking at Children's Mental Health Week, which is super important as we navigate these next few months as parents or carers. Children can create and submit a self portrait - however they like - and all entrants will be uploaded into a glorious gallery! We can't wait to see it.  

Harlequin Arts Academy - Dance Classes  

Harlequin has pivoted successfully during the pandemic to offer its dance classes online which is amazing for keeping children active - especially if they prefer expressive moves or pirouettes to PE with Joe!   If you want to sign your kids up, get in touch with Lisa via the Harlequin Arts Academy Facebook page or website. Children aged five and above are accepted currently, with classes held in Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre and Streetjazz.  

‍Glossop Adult Community Education  

Keep an eye out on the GACE Facebook page for details of free events that are aimed at families with younger children, swiftly delivered via Microsoft Teams. This Saturday (6th Feb, 10am - 11am) the hub is offering a free course for parents or carers with children aged 2-8, who would like to explore being active through play - looking at activities such as storytelling, crafting and engaging in imaginary play.   Find out more and get involved here.  

‍Let's Sing Studio  

Let's Sing! is a community music project founded by vocal coach Eleanor Mottershead. Eleanor has been offering singing sessions, summer schools and musical workshops since the pandemic hit last year, so if you have a child who loves to sing or wants to take up lessons in lockdown, check out Eleanor's Let's Sing Facebook page and get in touch with her to find out more  

‍And here are a few wider resources from further afield...

‍Sarah Parkinson - Live Drawing Tutorials   

Children's author and illustrator Sarah Parkinson (author of The Shoe Foxes) has been keeping the kids entertained in lockdown since last March, with weekly LIVE draw-along sessions on her Sparky Author Facebook page. All the kids will need are pens and paper. Art education for the week - DONE!   Find out more and draw along on her Facebook page here.

ART UK

‍ART UK is an amazing national resource that makes public art accessible to everyone - what's more, kids can curate their own gallery full of artworks they love, or following a particular theme.  

Why not ask the kids to curate their own gallery of five pieces of famous art that inspire them, and then ask them to write about how each piece makes them feel and why they have chosen it? A great resource for helping kids to recognise the work of different artists or categorise art into eras and styles.

‍If you have come across any amazing resources - either local or national - please do share in the comments.