"It's very therapeutic, relaxing and it helps with my mental health and creativity. I can recommend people coming down here."

Michael - Group member.

"It's brilliant and very cathartic. It has helped me open my creativity and given me more confidence. I've learned that it's ok to make mistakes as it can be made into something beautiful."

Katie - Group member.

“As a mental health recovery worker I've seen the positive impact that this group has had on my service users and their mental health. The group is so relaxed and welcoming. They really allow you to follow your creativity and they are always on hand to help if you need it. There is even a lovely outdoor area where you can take a break if you need to or enjoy the sunshine with a nice cuppa. I can't recommend this group enough.”

Fiona J - Mental Health Recovery Worker - Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service.

“One of the best groups I have ever been too in Chesterfield and my clients say the same. They really look forward to attending and it is always a warm welcome from John, Damian and Kev. It is very well run and everyone really enjoys the group. People make the place and there are special people here who always make you feel at home. Such a wonderful experience. I would recommend this group to everyone. Just an amazing experience.”

Shakil S - Wellbeing Coach - Living Well Derbyshire.

“As the group development worker for the group, I see the support offered to members quite a lot and how they begin to grow in confidence and start to get more involved over time as they do, sharing skills, and reciprocally supporting each other each week. They show care, give purpose, support for each other, and give hope each week.”“The feedback I get from the local support teams is a true reflection of that support offer.”“You get to feel supported from day one, and ongoing, no matter if you are a group member, a support worker or indeed a group development worker.”“We all have a chance to grow in such environments and I am proud to be a small part of it.”

Mark H - Group Development Worker - Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service.

“When I first came to the group I came with my support worker and I was shaking like a leaf even though I knew that Ceramics was something I wanted to try. I have never been artistic or creative so had to be shown what to do every single step of the way.”“It is not just about making things; I also chat with the other group members about how I am feeling (good and bad) and we share experiences, so I now know that I am not the only person who feels like I do.”“The group leader is very patient and the other group members also help each other. If I want to be quiet and concentrate on what I am making, I can do that, but if I feel more chatty I can interact more - it is up to me. Everyone's feelings are respected.”“I have made several pottery items and painted them, and now see that I can be artistic and creative. It is a great thrill to get things back when they have been 'fired'. I really do Enjoy Ceramics now.”

Kevin Y 😃 - Group member and secretary.

“Being part of the Enjoy Ceramics Group helped show me how new groups are formed and since being given role of group secretary I have learnt administrative skills such as taking minutes, making agenda forms and using the group telephone.”“Being part of the Enjoy Ceramics Group also showed me how group funding and venue organisations works.”

Joe C - Founding member.

“With lived experience I set up Enjoy Ceramics Group as an access point to a functional pottery studio and to support people who have faced similar health and well-being challenges to myself.”“Today Enjoy Ceramics Group is about a person centred approach aimed at supporting People in a way they need to be supported, to overcome adversity, to go on a journey together, and to assist them in their developing of a natural resilience and to share and signpost in resolve.”“I’ve grown too. Thanks to everyone involved 😉”

Damion P - Studio facilitator and founding member.