This week is Creativity and Wellbeing Week, and we’re taking the chance to share real stories from our community partners. These are stories of people who have found connection, healing, and joy through creativity.
A recent project in Redditch called ‘Planting Healthy Minds’ shows just how powerful artistic collaboration can be in opening up discussions about mental health and strengthening communities.
Planting Healthy Minds: Cultivating resilience in Woodrow
It all started with an idea. Carlie, a passionate Woodrow resident, dreamed of a public art project that would brighten up a local space and lift people’s spirits. With support from a Worcestershire County Council community grant, Reimagine Redditch, artist Ben Adamson, and Ahead of Wellbeing, that vision became reality.
In August 2024, an unused shop unit in the heart of the Woodrow Centre was transformed into a vibrant creative hub for two weeks. More than 20 workshops welcomed people from across Redditch, bringing together participants of all ages and backgrounds to paint, weave, draw, and craft clay apples. Each one was a unique piece of a stunning community-made apple tree.
The tree was chosen as a symbol of resilience, a reminder that just like an apple tree facing the elements, our minds need care and nourishment to thrive. But this project wasn’t just about visual art. With guidance from Brenda and Sadie at Ahead of Wellbeing, participants also shared their personal stories, contributing to a powerful soundscape that captured the voices and experiences of the community.
The project culminated in a day-long celebration filled with creativity, shared food, and meaningful connection. The apple tree and soundscape were unveiled as symbols of hope and resilience, with more than 400 people attending. It was the biggest gathering the Woodrow Centre had ever seen and, for many, it wasn’t just a community event but a turning point in how we talk about and support mental health in public spaces.
You can find out more about Reimagine Redditch’s projects here: Planting Healthy Minds – Reimagine Redditch