Wellbeing Plus offers practical support and advice to anyone living with mental health and long-term health conditions or those experiencing isolation and loneliness, for any reason.
Jenny Crawford, who set up Wellbeing Plus and lives with chronic pain herself, says: “It doesn’t matter what condition you have, we’re all facing the same issues.”
Wellbeing Plus supports people in whatever way they can, including:
- One-to-one sessions
- Drop-in coffee mornings
- Food poverty advice and support
- Help with building a CV and job search support
Most of the support though happens through crafts sessions held at the Wellbeing Plus craft shop in Redcar, and you don’t need any prior experience to join.
There are currently eight groups running, including an evening group on Mondays. There is a small £2 charge per sessions (just to help cover costs) and you can try everything from card making and 3D crafts to diamond painting, jewellery making and book folding. But it’s not just about the crafts, it’s about connecting with others who are facing similar challenges.
All groups are kept small to ease stress and anxiety that can come with meeting new people or walking into an unfamiliar environment. Each session offers a personal, supportive approach.
I recently went along to one of the groups to meet members and find out how Wellbeing Plus (and Jenny) has helped them.
“For me it’s the company and the reset,” says Alison, who works full time and supports her sister in caring for her mum who has dementia. Unable to attend daytime groups she contacted Jenny asking about evening sessions. At the time there weren’t any, but within a week Jenny had found enough interest to start one. “It’s the only time that I go out in the week,” says Alison. And I get a hug at the end of the night.”
“We don’t let anyone go without a hug” adds Jenny.
Alison brought along a friend who is now a regular. “I love it, she says. It’s the company.”
Julie, another member says: “It’s something to get up for. It motivates me to leave the house. I come three times a week and some days I just come to talk. You can do things at your own pace, but when you do make something, you feel really proud of yourself. You can surprise yourself. It gives you belief in yourself.”
Jenny now supports over 45 people regularly through the craft groups, with many others just popping in to the shop for a chat or some company.
Jenny has this to say to anyone thinking about coming to one of her groups:
“When I first went to a group, I was so scared and nervous I couldn’t even go in. Most of us feel like that the first time. It’s totally OK if you just want to come in for a chat before joining a group. Or you might want to come in half an hour before the group starts, that’s fine too. The shop’s open every day if people just want to pop in.
We’re all about letting people do things at their own pace. We’re all in the same boat, really. We’re like one big happy family.”
All support is delivered through the 5 Ways to Wellbeing approach:
- Keep Learning: Try new things and build confidence with free or low-cost courses.
- Connect: Meet others through groups, mentoring, or quality time with friends and family.
- Take Notice: Be present, stay aware, and reconnect with your community.
- Give: Help others in small or big ways because it boosts your own wellbeing too.
- Be Active: Move more, get involved, and engage with life at your own pace
Whilst it’s predominantly women that come to the groups, Jenny has plans to encourage more men to get involved, and wants to launch a youth group for young people aged 12 upwards offering social activities, homework help, revision support and also opportunities to learn soft skills through volunteering and work in the community.
To find out more
Visit the Wellbeing Plus website,
Call or text Jenny on 07859 803629
Or pop into the shop, 57 Lord Street, Redcar, TS10 3HN
