Annual review 2024/25

Be creative, make friends & live

“Suffolk Artlink’s creative course has had a positive and profound effect on me. Not only has it opened my eyes to new and exciting avenues of creative expression, but it has also eased some of the social anxiety that I’ve always struggled with when meeting new people. It has given me the confidence to be a speaker, instead of just a silent watcher and listener.”

Suffolk Artlink is a participatory, community arts charity  that brings creativity into the heart of communities.

We collaborate with participants, partner organisations and artists to provide diverse and inclusive arts programmes.

Through participation in our creative programmes people  learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and build their social connectedness.

We also work strategically to develop the participatory arts and
creative health sectors regionally and nationally.

Our Impact

Health and Wellbeing

“It took my mind off my problems, made me feel good and I tried a new skill. It was just such fun!”

“This course has helped me so much with my mental health and also helped me to develop my art skills.”

“Taking part takes you away from everything for a couple of hours.”

Reduced Isolation

“I feel inspired to get back to doing something creative and I felt connected to others in the group.’’

“Sharing our drawings, laughing together, helps with everything.”

“It makes me feel like a part of society, you make me feel I can actually contribute.”

Skills and Learning

“I just go for it! Art explodes out of my brain,  flowing onto the page. I start with an idea, and suddenly, my hand is chasing the colours, shapes, and energy that spills out. I love to look at something and then make it my own, turning it into something entirely different.”

“I like trying out something new, monoprinting has been very good to try, I find it
calming when I’m drawing.”

Creative Health

Our arts and heritage social prescribing programmes for people living with complex
health needs supports people’s wellbeing through creative and mindful activities.
Participants explore a variety of art forms and learn creative skills, whilst developing tools to support their health and resilience.

Creative Heritage

We bring different generations together in their own communities to explore Suffolk’s
rich cultural heritage and create stunning new artworks and resources to celebrate those discoveries.

Creative Progression

Our programmes for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists provide creative
spaces for people to focus on their practice, experiment with materials and explore their own interests and ideas with support from experienced professional artists.

Creative Beginning

We deliver fun, interactive and responsive music sessions for 0-5 year olds and their  families in Lowestoft. Our work addresses needs such as the perinatal health and  wellbeing of mums in some of Suffolk’s least affluent communities.

Creative Carers

Our programmes for family carers are opportunities to be creative and connect
with others. Sessions allow people to explore their own creativity, learn new
skills and feel more connected to others: providing time and space for the carers  outside of their caring role.

Creative Development

We have built an early years musical workforce and a growing network of musicians, early years providers and local organisations. We run four network meetings per year and an exciting CPD program which is responsive to the community and practitioners and focuses on artist development, knowledge sharing, inclusion and diversifying musical opportunities in early years music.

Our highlights 2024/25

284 Activities delivered

3335 Project participants

116,468 Audience reached

46 Artists employed

13 Volunteers supported

Our communities

1. Felixstowe Library
2. Christchurch Mansion
3. Woodbridge Library
4. Bury St Edmunds Library
5. The Seagull
6. Stowmarket Community Centre
7. Lowestoft Men’s Shed
8. Old Felixstowe Community Association
9. Haverhill Community Wellbeing Centre
10. Jerwood Dancehouse
11. RSPB Minsmere
12. National Trust – Sutton Hoo
13. The Kirkley Centre
14. Riverside Family Hub
15. The Long Shop Museum
16. Leiston Library
17. The Bank
18. The Ark Childrens Centre
19. Kirkley Family Hub
20. Bury Town Football Club
21. Eastern Angles Centre
22. Saxmundham Library
23. The Art Station
24. Hartismere Place Care Home – Care UK
25. Grove Court Care Home Elizabeth Finn Homes
26. Framfield Medical Centre
27. Kessingland Library
28. Ipswich County Library
29. The Battery
30. Lowestoft Library
31. South Beach
32. Beech House Residential Home
33. Edgar Sewter Primary School
34. Suffolk Archives
35. Pakefield Primary School
36. Hildesley Court – Sheltered Housing Scheme
37. Harleston House Care Home – Lowestoft
38. Halesworth Millennium Green
39. Halesworth & District Museum
40. Leiston Primary School
41. The Hold – Home of Suffolk Archives
42. Manor Farm Residential Home
43. All Saints C of E Primary School
44. Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy
45. Northfield St Nicholas Primary Academy
46. Ipswich Town Football Club
47. The Poplars C.P. School
48. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
49. James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
50. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Support Us

Suffolk Artlink relies on donations from individuals and businesses.

• Donate once, every donation, however small, makes a difference.
• Become a Friend of Suffolk Artlink and give monthly by Direct Debit.
• Fundraise for us.

If you’d like to talk to someone about sponsorship and fundraising call Alistair on  01986 873955 extension 1 or email admin@suffolkartlink.org.uk

Contact information

Suffolk Artlink, Units 13 & 14, Malt Store Annex, The Cut, 8 New Cut Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BY

Tel. 01986 873955

enquiries@suffolkartlink.org.uk

www.suffolkartlink.org.uk

Instagram: suffolk_artlink

Facebook: suffolk.artlink

YouTube: @SuffolkArtlink

Charity No. 1110898 Company No. 05354844