Cash boost for High Peak charity

High Peak Community Arts' Project eARTh has been granted 'continuation funding' of £170,615 over three years.

The cash has come from the Reaching Communities Fund of the National Lottery Community Fund.

It will start on June 1, when the current funding finishes. 

The New Mills based charity has also been granted £6,000 from High Peak Locality Public Health.

It’s raised a further £6,000 from other sources, meaning all its funding is in place from June until May next year.

Programme manager Alison Bowry said: “This exciting news means that we can continue to run our arts and health programme in New Mills and Buxton, for adults experiencing mental distress or other long term conditions.

“Now in its 10th year, Project eARTh is based on collective working on projects to make art for community – and with more than 50 projects completed you may well have seen our artwork somewhere near you. 

“Currently our art can be seen across the High Peak in GP surgeries, railway stations, parks, woodland trails, care homes, churches, church halls, art centres and more.

“If you know of a spot that needs enlivening or calming, with art, indoors or out, please let us know. 

“If you feel you would benefit from joining in, or know someone who might, give us a call on 01663 744516 or email alison@highpeakarts.org.” 

Workshops are free to attend and the charity provides free transport for anyone who needs it, including a mini bus from Glossop to the New Mills group.

Each workshop is led by a professional artist and supported by mental health workers and volunteers to create a safe and welcoming environment. 

It enables people to get out, meet others, make friends, be creative, learn new skills and have fun. 

The grant also includes funds for a new one day per week post for a fundraiser / development worker to help raise the match funding required to run the project. 

Details will be available next month.

Main image:

CREATIVE: One of the art installations in the High Peak.