That is the vision behind New Zealand-wide charity CanBead, which has provided free bead-craft workshops in association with charities and social organisations for the past 15 years.
Dunedin-based CanBead Otago co-ordinator Jenni Ryland said the experience of taking part in a beading workshop provided respite, mindfulness and a chance for connection for people experiencing loss, illness and disability.
‘‘People find that creativity can be therapeutic and provide a real boost to their wellness,’’ Mrs Ryland said.
Founded 15 years ago by Ashburton woman Sarah Clifford, who made bead necklaces during her treatment for melanoma, CanBead now has branches in seven regions across New Zealand.
In Otago, CanBead works with the Cancer Society, Catholic Social Services, MS Otago, Alzheimers Otago, Able Minds, Otago Youth Wellness Trust, Life Matters and more.
The Otago CanBead activities are led by Mrs Ryland, Dunedin-based tutor Jules Haldane and Queenstown-based tutor Bronwyn Reid, with support from a large and enthusiastic team of volunteers.
‘‘The volunteers do a fantastic job of running the workshops and making sure the participants have an enjoyable time, which works really well,’’ Mrs Ryland said.
The responses from participants are a testament to the success of CanBead workshops, with comments such as ‘‘had a wonderful time’’, ‘‘so nice to connect with everyone’’ and ‘‘I like it when CanBead comes because it makes me feel good making something and learning, and I get a break’’.
Another important aspect of the CanBead approach is the organisation’s commitment to sustainability — all of the beads used in its workshops are donated.
In Dunedin, there are CanBead drop-off points at Re-Store, the Cat Rescue Dunedin shop and Inspire Upcycling, where people can donate unwanted beads, broken jewellery and other materials.
‘‘Often people donate old and broken jewellery, which is carefully pulled apart by our volunteers and repurposed into new pieces in our workshops,’’ Mrs Ryland said.
‘‘It means that our workshop participants get to work with some really fun, beautiful and different beads, and we can save them from going to landfill.’’
To mark its 15th anniversary, CanBead has launched a fundraising campaign on Givealittle.
‘‘CanBead doesn’t receive government funding, so we rely on local grants and fundraising to keep our workshops going.’’
