About — Common Threads

Common Threads supports wellbeing through creativity and heritage. We celebrate textile traditions, exploring the ways in which sewing connects us culturally, generationally, geographically, and historically.

We deliver workshops and creative projects which welcome everyone, and we particularly support people living with mental health problems, people who are lonely, isolated, bereaved, carers, living with disability, or just want to make friends, connect with others, and do something creative in a supportive group.

We began as a partnership project with Derbyshire Mind and Derby Museums in 2013 and since then we have worked closely with museums, hospitals, mental health services, community groups and refugee centres, connecting communities. We support participants to engage with local cultural organisations, and to feel part of a creative community: ‘People like me don’t usually get to do something like this’.

Co-directors Philippa and Jane are qualified therapists with many years' experiences developing and delivering creative wellbeing and mental health projects. Our workshops are supported by a retired Assistant NHS Occupational Therapist.

Independent evaluation concluded that Common Threads has a positive impact on the well-being of participants and benefits their families. ’Working with Common Threads has brought great gains to our clients and ex-clients and has helped to prevent readmission.’ DC, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radbourne Unit, Derbyshire NHS.

Our current community workshops provide free supportive environments for anyone interested in creative textiles.