Woman's mission to help the lonely in Wigan this Christmas

A local woman is hosting a free art class on Christmas Day for lonely Wiganers of all ages.
Karla RimaitisKarla Rimaitis
Karla Rimaitis

Karla Rimaitis, 31, decided to offer the free-of-charge webinar class after struggling with her own personal issues leading up to the festive season.

The newly-qualified art teacher will host the class for people who find themselves at a loose end on Christmas Day.

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After her seven-year-long relationship broke down this summer, Karla said she feels the festive season can be lonely for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“It’s usually elderly people who you tend to think about being on their own at Christmas,” she said. “There is a bit of a stigma around loneliness just being among old people.

“I was in a relationship myself for seven years, it ended in August this year. So I have found myself at a loose end this Christmas and I am hoping to help anyone else in the same position.

“I think it’s such a hard time for people who are already having a hard time. I know I won’t be feeling great so it gives me something to do too.”

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Karla, who teaches a “drink and draw” class in St Helens, believes that art is a good way of bringing people together in the community.

“I went along to the Wigan class before I started teaching my own - it is such a good laugh.

“What’s better than drawing and gin?

“I think nowadays people tend to buy their ale and just sit at home but the class shows how good it is to have something within the community.

“Art is a really good way to just unwind, I used to teach life drawing and there were more and more people coming along who didn’t really care about art - they just wanted a different focus.”

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The Christmas Day webinar will be available to anyone of any level.

Karla will use the session to teach people art techniques and draw along with them.

The session will begin at 7pm.

Participants will need something to drawer with and access to the internet, a telephone, or the Zoom app on smart phone.

For joining details contact [email protected]