74 A major survey undertaken by Hobbycraft, the UK’s largest arts and craft retailer, to launch its partnership with national mental health charity, Mind, has revealed that 72 percent of the nation believe that healthcare experts should recommend structured arts and craft activities to support mental health. With an incredible 8.8m Brits already using creative activities to improve their mental wellbeing, and 59 percent of people getting a real sense of achievement from crafts and hobbies, the importance of mindful creativity cannot be underestimated. Alex Willson, CEO of Hobbycraft says: “This research confirms what we hear every day from customers: crafting is so much more than just a hobby. Whether it’s stitching, painting or pottery, these hands-on activities help people slow down, express themselves and feel connected. We’d warmly welcome crafts and hobbies being formally recognised as a positive tool for wellbeing within healthcare settings.” Rosie Weatherley, Information Content Manager at Mind says: “One in four of us have a mental health problem and there are currently 1.6 million people on the waiting list for support. The solution to the mental health crisis requires a wide range of approaches, and acknowledging the role crafting can play in people’s wellbeing should be part of that.” Of the parents surveyed, 88 percent believe crafting is vital for children’s development and 80 percent want their children to spend more time on creative hobbies. However, a 2024 report by the Campaign for the Arts and The University of Warwick* found that the number of hours of arts teaching in English statefunded secondary schools fell by 23 percent between 2011 and 2024, with GCSE entries in arts subjects falling by 47 percent since 2010. The survey reflected interest from Hobbycraft has just released new research, backed by mental health charity Mind, showing that 72 percent of Brits want healthcare professionals to widely recommend arts & crafts for mental wellbeing CRAFTING ON PRESCRIPTION
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