Metal Southend’s acclaimed creative wellbeing programme, Connect & Create, has been supporting communities, bringing people together through art and creativity, since the initiative opened back in 2016.

Image credit: Anna Lukala

Now, 10 years on, and building on the success of NetPark Wellbeing, this redesigned initiative provides accessible, and impactful art-based wellbeing groups, with a renewed focus on inclusivity and tailored experiences inspired by what is happening in the creative world today. Connect & Create is supported by Southend City Council.

“Over the last decade, people in our community have been facing growing and complex mental health challenges. During this time, Connect & Create and its legacy has shown how the arts can play a crucial role in strengthening mental wellbeing at a time when such resilience is needed most. Metal is proud to be working with Southend City Council to provide free, safe and accessible sessions to strengthen connection and community, and it is much needed work I hope we can continue doing for the next ten years.” — Warren Harper, Director, Southend & Essex, Metal

With a strong commitment to improving mental and emotional wellbeing through art, Connect & Create delivers a range of carefully designed free sessions to meet the diverse needs of the Southend community from Metal Art School, based in Chalkwell Park. The relaunch, which took place in late 2025, introduced new opportunities to expand and deepen the programme’s impact.

“It has been a peaceful, supportive, informative time. An eye-opener into the arts through various media.” — Connect & Create participant after Taster Sessions

Since 2016, Connect & Create (and NetPark Wellbeing) has provided at least 25,554 hours of support, delivered well over 100 groups, and has supported 2,194 people.

“We warmly welcome anyone facing mental health challenges—whether you’re feeling anxious, low, lonely, or simply in need of a safe space to breathe. Through the therapeutic power of creativity, we offer opportunities to reconnect with yourself, create meaningful artwork, build new friendships and enjoy the moment.” — Emma Mills, Art Psychotherapist & Connect & Create Coordinator

Ian Wilson, Class Facilitator and Emma Mills, Mental Wellbeing Coordinator at the Mental Health Awards 2023

The Connect & Create programme offers free, accessible art therapy and art wellbeing sessions in supportive group settings that encourage connection and creativity. The project is one of the few in Southend providing dedicated art activities for people living with dementia, as well as support for those affected by trauma outside NHS mental health services.

“I think it’s great – meeting others and spending time every week creating art is very therapeutic.” — Connect & Create participant after Taster Sessions

It also benefits from regular input from artists and creatives working locally, nationally and internationally. The groups are intergenerational and inclusive, helping to strengthen community connection, and the project has a strong track record of award-winning work and partnership activity, including involvement in the Southeast Essex Trauma Alliance, an NHS initiative promoting trauma-informed best practice.

“There is a growing body of evidence that illustrates the links between cultural and heritage engagement and health and wellbeing. Cultural engagement can help to prevent, treat and manage physical and mental health problems.” — Executive Summary, Department for Culture, Media and Sport Report (2024), p.10

Through creativity, compassion, and innovation, Connect & Create aims to be a beacon of support for individuals of all abilities. With its roots in the success of NetPark Wellbeing, this new chapter promises to continue transforming lives through the power of art.

For more information about Connect & Create, upcoming programmes, or to get involved, visit Metal’s website here or contact Emma Mills, the programme’s Mental Wellbeing Coordinator: emma.mills@metalculture.com / 01702 470700