It is an honor to present this interview with Debbie Crouch, Founder of Creative Wellness Journey. Debbie’s generous humanistic contributions and tireless commitment to help others are admirable. We are delighted to add her to our community and our ongoing series of “World Changers”.
Creative Wellness Journey CIC, creativewellnessjourney.co.uk, is a non-profit organization based in the U.K. It provides “a safe environment to learn how to express emotions through creativity, works with other communities to develop working alliances and partnerships, and develops online courses and materials for art for wellness.” You will find links to her online groups at the end of the interview.
RP: Debbie, what is the mission statement of your organization?
DC: Creativity for Joy and Health… Creative wellness aims to share ideas for learning how to be creative for people to support mental wellness through easy online tutorials and downloadable resources.
RP: When and how did you establish the organization?
DC: In March 2020 it began with an idea to set up a private group on Facebook for members to be in a safe space to share their creativity and get to know new people with the same passion for art for wellness.
RP: What inspired you to create such a meaningful and healing organization?
DC: In finding my own path to wellbeing through learning to draw and paint as an adult I became passionate about wanting to share with others what I have learned along the way.
RP: Please tell us about your art.
DC: In discovering my own preference and style my own art work is expressive, colorful mainly impressionist and abstract.
RP: To what do you attribute the success of your organization?
DC: In providing an online safe environment for people to discuss creativity, share their work and make new friends. This enabled communities to come together and share their love of all things creative. Over time this builds loyalty, trust and openness of its members who feel they can interact with others, share their own work, give and receive feedback. Creating a beautiful space for everyone.
RP: Please describe one of the many examples of how you have observed your organization has helped others in need.
DC: One example was an elderly man suffering from depression after loosing his wife joined and became a member to learn and share his creativity. This is what he said: “My friends tell me how lucky I am to have found such a place in my old age. In finding creative wellness group giving me a new lease of life. Thank you from all my heart. Giving me the confidence to (1) start painting (2) getting me off my bum, and getting people to talk to each other.”
RP: How did your activities change as a result of COVID?
DC: If anything the group started just before March 2020 and came at the right time to help and support people learning creativity in their homes.
RP: How can interested individuals join Creative Wellness Journey?
DC: That’s easy. All you have to do is register as a member at creativewellnessjourney.co.uk where you will receive exclusive special offers and newsletters for members.
RP: What is your proudest achievement since you launched the organization?
DC: In growing a group to over 10,000 members in less than 12 months it is very rewarding to know how many people’s lives we help along the way. Receiving testimonials and feedback from members always makes me feel a sense of pride and achievement. For example: “Debbie Crouch is an enthusiastic person who enthuses her students without even knowing that she is doing it… A mentor. A giver of ideas…”
Also, having the confidence to enter a competition in my local art gallery and being selected to showcase my work was a massive achievement I could have only dreamed of.
Visit the Creative Wellness Journey website: creativewellnessjourney.co.uk
Join Debbie in Social Media
Instagram.com/creativewellnessjourney
Facebook.com/groups/creativewellnessjourneyCIC
Facebook.com/creativementalhealthcupport
Twitter.com/creative4488
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