Grant to Arts 2 Heal charity (360G-CFLM-A787655)
Funding Organisation
£6,500
Recipient Organisation
To deliver a six-month arts-based upcycling project to women in Blackburn.
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Grant Details
| Award Date | 2026-03-16T00:00:00+00:00 |
| Last Modified | 2026-03-19T00:00:00+00:00 |
| Planned Dates: End Date | 2026-08-17T00:00:00+00:00 |
| Planned Dates: Duration (months) | 4 |
| Planned Dates: Start Date | 2026-04-14T00:00:00+00:00 |
| Primary issue | Arts and Culture |
| Amount Awarded | 6500 |
| Grant Programme: Code | Round 1 25 - 26 |
| Grant Programme: Title | Lancashire Womens Fund |
| Impact Category | Advance people's physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety |
| Amount Applied For | 6500 |
| Primary age group | Adults (26 – 65) |
| Primary ethnicity | All Ethnicities |
| Primary beneficiary | women |
| Beneficiary Location: Name | Blackburn with Darwen 006C |
| Beneficiary Location: Geographic Code | E01012643 |
| Beneficiary Location: Country Code | GB |
| Beneficiary Location: Geographic Code Type | LSOA |
| Recipient Org: Web Address | https://arts2heal.org/ |
| Recipient Org: Description | Arts 2 Heal is a community-led charity based in Lancashire that works to improve mental health, wellbeing and life opportunities for marginalised adults through creative, therapeutic and socially inclusive activities. Our overall aim is to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience and empower individuals, particularly women, to develop skills, confidence and pathways towards greater independence and participation in community life. While Arts 2 Heal supports a broad range of adults facing disadvantage, women’s empowerment is a core strategic priority within our programme. This focus is informed by extensive consultation with women beneficiaries, community leaders, and our committee members and volunteers, many of whom have lived experience from the communities we serve. Our internal research shows that women experiencing poverty, trauma, cultural isolation or poor mental health often have fewer opportunities to build skills, confidence and leadership capacity, despite having significant untapped potential. The women we support commonly face multiple barriers, including domestic or emotional abuse, long-term mental or physical health conditions, disability, caring responsibilities, language barriers and exclusion from education or employment. Many are from ethnically diverse and faith-based communities, including South Asian and Muslim women and older women who are particularly at risk of isolation. Our services are therefore designed not only to support wellbeing, but to actively build skills, self-belief and agency. A core objective of Arts 2 Heal is to create safe, structured spaces where women can learn, practise and develop skills through creativity. We use art as a practical and accessible tool for skill-building, supporting women to improve concentration, communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation and self-expression. These transferable skills are essential foundations for re-engagement with learning, volunteering, leadership and, where appropriate, employment. We deliver a wide range of creative skills-based activities, including visual arts, textiles, clay, mixed media, heritage crafts and participatory projects. Sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners using trauma-informed approaches and are designed to progress gently from exploration to skill development and confidence-building. Women are supported to set personal goals, reflect on progress and recognise their achievements—often for the first time in many years. In response to clear evidence of need, Arts 2 Heal allocates two days per week to women-only sessions. These sessions provide protected environments where women can build skills without fear, judgement or cultural barriers. Many women have told us they cannot engage in mixed-gender provision due to trauma, anxiety or cultural expectations. Women-only sessions therefore play a vital role in enabling participation, learning and leadership. Wherever possible, sessions are facilitated by female practitioners and supported by volunteers from similar backgrounds, reinforcing trust and role modelling. Alongside this targeted provision, Arts 2 Heal continues to deliver inclusive mixed-gender and community-wide activities, ensuring our work remains open and connected. Women are supported, when ready and by choice, to transition into wider projects, co-facilitation roles or volunteering opportunities, enabling progression and leadership beyond women-only spaces. A key organisational objective is to empower women to take ownership of their development. Participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, shape activities and support peers. Many women go on to volunteer, support delivery, or assist with exhibitions and community events, gaining practical experience, responsibility and confidence. This approach transforms women from service users into active contributors and role models within their communities. Arts 2 Heal also integrates cultural skills and heritage knowledge, supporting women to reconnect with traditions, storytelling and creative practices rooted in their lived experience. This strengthens identity, pride and confidence while creating opportunities for intergenerational learning and community engagement. Accessibility is central to our approach. Activities are low-cost or free, delivered in accessible venues and supported with materials, refreshments and practical support. We work closely with social prescribing teams, mental health services and community partners to reach women who are furthest from opportunity. Delivery is adapted to accommodate neurodiversity, language needs, mobility challenges and fluctuating mental health. Ultimately, Arts 2 Heal aims to reduce inequality by equipping women with skills, confidence and agency, enabling them to move from isolation towards empowerment, leadership and meaningful participation in community life. By embedding women-focused, skills-based provision within a wider inclusive programme, we ensure women are not only supported to heal but empowered to thrive. |
| Recipient Org: Charity Number | 1167490 |