Free arts classes are on offer to adults in Fenland starting in January

Start off the New Year creatively by joining one of the free creative arts courses being run across Fenland.

Jane Rich, CEO of Cambridge Community Arts, said: "Evidence shows that participating in creative activities helps combat loneliness and improves mental and physical health.

"Fenland Community Arts is running eight 8-week courses for adults, in drama, guitar, printmaking and digital art. Taking place in community centres and run by local artists, courses are enjoyable and fun. They are designed to improve art-form skills but also to help people who may be excluded due to mental or physical health conditions, therefore these people get prioritised."

To find out more and express your interest visit https://www.camcommarts.org.uk/fenland-short-courses or email: fenland@camcommarts.org.uk

Jane added: “I studied art at college in Wisbech and it is great to be back working here. Our community courses are easily accessible and so far have been really well received by adults of all ages (19+). We look forward to running more in the future.”

Previous learners have praised the courses. One said: “This was something new and a challenge for me - but it was fun.”

While another added: “Before I didn't like going out much and now I do. I get to the class early so that I can socialise with the group. It makes me cheerful.”

The courses on offer are:

Drama Tuesdays 1.30-4.30pm, Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech Starting on January 21 and running to March 27.

Re-awaken your imagination and play make-believe in this introductory drama course. Play drama games, improvise and explore scripts to have fun, develop performance skills and increase your confidence.

Beginners guitar Wednesdays 1-4pm, March Community Centre January 22 to March 18. In a group, learn essential skills, such as strumming and fingerpicking. You will learn new chords, develop your musical understanding and play some popular songs. Suitable for absolute beginners. Acoustic guitars provided if necessary.

Printmaking Wednesdays - 4pm, Oasis Centre, Wisbech starting February 5 and running to April 1. Go along and make your mark: experiment with a variety of printmaking techniques printing on paper and fabric. Develop your understanding of design, repeat patterns and materials. No experience necessary for this relaxed and inclusive course.

Digital art, Fridays 10am-1pm, Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, Wisbech February 7 to April 3. Digital Art at your fingertips. Using iPads (provided), explore your creativity and local area and develop new digital skills.