AN ARTS and crafts programme set up to help local people with health problems is celebrating its first birthday.

Space2Create, run at the Abbot Hall Gallery by the Lakeland Arts Trust, has held its first annual meeting to celebrate a successful 12 months helping people with both mental and physical problems.

“It was just such a pleasure to reflect on how we have been able to support what people have achieved,” said Jeanette Edgar, one of the directors.

“It was great to have Lakeland Arts being recognised for what we have made possible for vulnerable local people.”

Space2Create was started in 2012 after Kendal mental health charity Workbase closed. Volunteers, staff and trustees felt that local people faced being left isolated and formed Space2Create to fill the void after.

Many of the people involved have themselves recovered from, or are recovering from, serious health problems.

“The management group are all here because they have been in really difficult spaces and engaging in creative activity has given them lifelines,” said Ms Edgar.

“Their empathy, as well as their interest in art and enjoyment of developing creative skills, means that they create a safe space.”

The group runs a drop-in-session, WellArt, every Friday between 10.30am and 1pm at the Abbot Hall Gallery.

It costs £3, which includes materials and refreshments.