A NEW remote arts service has been launched for Creative Response participants in Farnham and surrounding area.

The independent arts for well-being charity is set to launch ReConnect – an online and telephone assistance arts service, which will support the needs of participants during pandemic.

Creative Response works alongside vulnerable individuals with physical, mental and learning difficulties, as well as substance misuse problems.

The organisation offers a “unique, supportive environment promoting personal resilience and well-being through the arts”.

The new scheme comes thanks to funding from Arts Council England and the Community Foundation for Surrey, as well as support from DAiSY. The service will provide each participant with an arts pack containing materials and activity sheets, the opportunity to join an online interactive arts session led by professional artists and one-to-one telephone support.

Speaking in the lead-up to the scheme’s launch, chair of trustees Norman Wren said: “People with disabilities and mental-health issues are more at risk during the crisis than less-vulnerable people.

“We are grateful for the funding from Arts Council England and Community Foundation for Surrey and the support from DAiSY, which means we are able to provide this vital service to all our participants.

“This new service will help participants to reconnect with their friends at the charity, continue to benefit from the use of arts to aide their well-being and enable them to continue to develop their creativity.”

The team previously offered face-to-face creative sessions at their Farnham premises, providing the opportunity to work with practising artists – sharing skills, knowledge and creativity in a safe environment.

However, because of the coronavirus pandemic, weekly sessions have been suspended, leaving participants without this “vital social and creative outlet”.

Chief officer at Creative Response, Hannah Dix, added: “Providing a remote arts service will ensure our participants are supported in this time of uncertainty and are provided with creative opportunities that allow them to feel less isolated and lonely, as well as continuing to develop their arts skills and creativity. This will result in an improved quality of life, bringing a sense of normality, calm and greater joy at this turbulent time.”