Funding was awarded to CreateBolton. They are a charity that provides free arts experiences for adults in Bolton with various physical, mental and learning needs, who are often isolated and excluded from society.
The grant was put towards the cost of a new Potters Wheel for their Create Community. The charity reported that it has made a very significant difference to the experiences of their beneficiaries who for the most part are adults experiencing isolation or loneliness. On a normal week, they can have up to ten different people using the wheel.
The attached photo is of three gentlemen with what started as early onset dementia and which inevitably progressed. They love making things on the Potters Wheel and it not only gives them a sense of purpose, but also provides their wives with a deserved break. The wheel that was purchased is a better wheel than they had before and the seating position is more comfortable for the user.
Being able to continue using the Potters Wheel gives confidence to those that use it. They are able to ‘throw’ pots or make other items which they are amazed at. This is often an activity that most people have never tried and yet everyone that the charity works with that tries throwing pots loves it and more importantly they are breaking into the isolation cycle.