Crafting Hope CIC

During this financial year, Crafting Hope CIC continued its work across the North East, delivering community-based craft workshops designed to support wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen community cohesion. A key project was Bag of Hope at the Shipley Art Gallery, delivered with Oasis Housing, where participants affected by homelessness were supported through creative activity and shared making. The CIC also facilitated collaborative community embroidery projects in Dunston and along the Tyne Derwent Way, creating opportunities for people to connect, tell stories, and contribute to place-based artwork. In addition, Crafting Hope ran a three-week crochet course with Oaktrees at Changing Lives, working with people recovering from addiction and offering a safe, supportive space to develop new skills and social connections. Across all of these activities, the organisation used craft as a practical and inclusive tool for improving wellbeing, fostering belonging, and bringing communities together through creativity, care, participation, resilience, and mutual support.