Meet the Wigan stay-at-home mum using arts and crafts to fight social isolation

Emma McEwan, 32, is the new owner of Let's SHAPE Our Creativity group, which holds a range of art and craft-based events to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

The business was formerly known The Little Shop of Creativity in Standish, but has now been taken over by Emma who is running it as a community interest company (CIC).

Emma said: “I am a mum to my two girls, aged five and two, and have been a stay at home mum for the last five years.

"Being a stay at home mum can be extremely isolating and lonely, so to help others I started a group for Stay at Home mums (which runs at Standish library), to build connections within the community and to improve mental health.“Mental health and wellbeing has always been a passion of mine, as I have watched many of my friends and family suffer with mental illness, including my own mum, who sadly passed away last year.

“Arts and crafts have been an amazing way for me to 'escape' for a while and have helped improve my own mental health. They have greatly impacted my mood, give me time for myself and also time to slow down in this busy world.”

Emma said her aim for the group was to provide the community with arts and craft based sessions that are affordable. They are held at different venues around Wigan and surrounding areas, and encourage people to get out, socialise, build connections with others and create something beautiful.

She added: “The sessions aren't just for those that are good at painting, it isn't always about the finished product, it is about the process and the time you give yourself to be mindful is incredibly beneficial.

“I am in the process of arranging some creative sessions for adults and children at Standish library. Also, I held several Christmas ‘sip and paint’ sessions in December at The Wiend Bar and Little Fifteens in Wigan.

"The Christmas and new year period can be isolating, so if you're on your own, or even if you want to bring your friends/family, everyone is welcome.”