Hartlepool craft group's bid to open new sensory room

A community crafts group that promotes good mental health has launched a £4,000 appeal to create a new sensory room.
Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REIDJane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID
Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID

Be Crafty, which is based in The Arches in Park Road, is appealing to the Hartlepool business community for support in getting the new venture off the ground.

Volunteers for the non-profit group hope to create the room to help autistic children who visit Be Crafty and provide adults with anxiety issues with a place to relax and access holistic therapies.

Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REIDJane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID
Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID
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Fundraiser Jane Bell said: “We have a lot of autistic children coming to do the crafts and a lot of people with mental health issues.

“We have got a waiting list for people wanting to use the sensory room before we have even got it.

“There is nothing like it in Hartlepool and when we have asked people if they want it they have said yes because they have to travel out of town.

“We are hoping some local companies will donate some money towards getting this up and running.”

Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REIDJane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID
Jane Bell in Be Crafty, Park Road. Photograph by FRANK REID
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The room is planned to be opened next to Be Crafty’s current premises and feature toys and sensory equipment for children.

Jane added: “It will also be for adults who want that quiet atmosphere, there is no age limit.

“It is going to be a safe and relaxing environment for people to get away from the outside world.”

Jane said as well as financial help they would also be grateful of hands-on help from tradespeople like electricians.
Among the holistic therapies the group plans to offer include Indian head massage, crystal healing and reiki.

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Be Crafty was started by Barbara Ward, of the Fens, Hartlepool, exactly a year ago.

Barbara suffers from a very rare condition which means she is allergic to water and strong scents.

But she formed the group after finding solace in craft making to help anyone struggling with modern day life to unwind.

Anyone interested in helping the sensory room campaign can contact Jane on 07913 541948.