Creative Carers
Creative Carers is a community-based strand of the Arts for Health Partnership Programme in West Cork, initiated in 2022. The programme is for anyone who looks after a family member in the home or through a care setting. It offers a range of creative workshops for learning new skills, meeting people, connecting with services and peer support. The workshops are organised in partnership with Family Carers and Older Person’s Development workers.
A full year evaluation of the programme took place in 2022, carried out internally by staff at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre. If you’d like to learn more, you can read the report in full here.
“Myself and my father (Ted) absolutely loved the artist’s weekly visits. It was a beautiful journey of music, memories and swapping of stories… It also brought me out of the humdrum of caring into a lovely space of connection.” “Ian is so happy after his music session and the joy it brings into our home is immeasurable so long may this programme continue in West Cork.” – Participants at Home
CURRENT CREATIVE CARERS WORKSHOP SERIES
Creative Carers workshops run weekly or monthly across West Cork. Each workshop is facilitated by an experienced, professional artist who is part of the Arts for Health Artist Team. Please feel free to contact us at info@westcorkartscentre.com or call 028 22090 if you have any questions!
Clonakilty
Creative Carers Coffee and Music Meets with Justin Grounds
A chance to connect with others and explore your own creativity through music. Chat, listen, create, compose over a hot cup of tea or coffee!
10:30am – 12pm, Samara Centre
Friday 2 October 2025
Friday 6 November 2025
Friday 4 December 2025
Email Justin at artsforhealthcomposer@westcorkartscentre.com with any questions or to join the group.
Skibbereen
Creative Carers with Sarah Ruttle, conversation and making
Take a moment to be creative, relax, and connect with others at Sarah’s visual art workshops.
10:30am – 12:30pm, Skibbereen Community & Family Resource Centre
Tuesday 7 October 2025
Tuesdays 14 October 2025
Tuesday 21 October 2025
Creative Carers Coffee and Music Meets with Justin Grounds
11am – 1pm, Skibbereen Community & Family Resource Centre
Wednesday 19 November 2025
Wednesday 26 November 2025
Wednesday 3 December 2025
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Please contact Gráinne at 028 23572 or email opcworker@scfrc.ie with any questions or to book your free place.
Mizen & Sheep’s Head
Creative Carers with Sharon dipity
Sharon dipity facilitates monthly art workshops for family carers throughout the year. Warm and welcoming, they are the perfect place to meet others with shared experiences, and take some time to be creative.
11am – 1pm, Ballydehob Community Hall
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Wednesday 14 May 2025
Wednesday 25 June 2025
Wednesday 30 July 2025
Wednesday 24 September 2025
Wednesday 29 October 2025
Wednesday 26 November 2025
To book your place or for further information, please contact Lorna Harte on 087 4001763.
Bantry
Creative Carers with Sharon dipity
Visual artist Sharon dipity will facilitate a monthly Creative Carers art workshop in The Westlodge Hotel, Bantry. Come along for a morning of creativity and relaxation.
10.30am – 12.30pm, Historical Rooms, The Westlodge Hotel
Thursday 19 June 2025
Thursday 24 July 2025
Thursday 18 September 2025
Thursday 16 October 2025
Thursday 20 November 2025
Thursday 18 December 2025
Thursday 19 February 2025
To book your place or for further information, please contact Gemma Casey on 087 9103036.