CanBead Southland co-ordinator and tutor Colleen Simpson said the workshops provided more than just creative skills, offering participants a sense of calm, connection and purpose while helping them navigate illness and focus on something beyond their circumstances.
The charitable trust started after 28-year-old Sarah Clifford, who had been diagnosed with melanoma, was given a jewellery making kit and began making a necklace each day during her treatment.
"Sarah got so much joy from what she was doing, it really helped her through a difficult time and thought it would be really good for other people going through illness, trauma, and grief . . . to be able to have that creative therapy outlet."
Mrs Simpson said what started as a simple gift, grew to become a programme delivering more than 161 therapy workshops across the nation where people created everything from jewellery, to bag tags, sun catchers and bookmarks.
Workshops have been held across Southland including Invercargill, Gore, Riverton and Te Anau.
Research supported the value of creative activity in supporting emotional wellbeing. The workshops also brought people together, reducing isolation.
As part of its 15th birthday celebrations, the charity will host a Handbags and Glad Rags high tea fundraiser on June 20 at The Pod where people will have the opportunity to bid on mystery handbags filled with donated goods.
Mrs Simpson said CanBead, which heavily relied on donations and grants, had started a Givealittle page.
By Toni McDonald
