Join crafters across the nation as they come together to harness the power of getting creative

Get your paint pots out and sharpen your pencils, now’s the time to get crafty as charity Mind host their first-ever virtual ‘Crafternoon’ this Good Friday.

A new twist on the charity’s much-loved fundraiser – which sees people getting together to spend an afternoon working on craft projects while raising money for Mind’s life-saving services – the aim of the virtual crafting workshop is twofold.

First, the session has a suggested donation to Mind – where vital funds are used to continue their free mental health services across England and Wales, and in tough times like now these resources are even more important than before.

But beyond that, Mind is harnessing the mindful power of crafting. According to a study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, regular crafting activities can improve our mood, and increase feelings of relaxation – not to mention the sense of pride we can feel when we display our latest creation in our homes.

Oh, and did we mention that the project for the Crafternoon is adorable rainbow origami star bunting?

Mind Orgigami stars

Learn how to make origami star bunting

If that sounds like your kind of thing, the workshop is taking place on Zoom at 4PM on Friday 10 April. All that you need in order to join in with the virtual Crafternoon are basic supplies to make rainbow origami stars (we’re talking coloured paper, a ruler, and thread) – templates and online guidance will all be provided by Mind’s hosts.

As community fundraising manager Maria Khosla notes, in the face of so much change, now is a very important time for the nation’s mental health.

“Virtual Crafternoon is the perfect excuse to take some time to do something fun, creative and relaxing, whilst helping to make a difference and fund Mind’s vital support services,” Maria says. “Absolutely anyone can take part, regardless of whether you have crafted before. It’s so easy to join in, using any supplies to hand. Use your imagination, perhaps this is the time to upcycle those cardboard toilet roll tubes!”

So, why not do something different this Good Friday by pulling together to raise funds for a very worthy cause? And as a bonus, you’ll have some beautiful, spirit-raising bunting to hang in your home. What could be better?

Find out more about joining the virtual Crafternoon