The William Morris Gallery is running monthly Flow State Sessions from June to September 2024 for those registered with the NHS Social Prescribing and Talking Therapies service, as well as those already accessing community mental health support groups.   

These sessions will run from 2pm to 4pm on Sundays on the following dates: 9 June, 30 June, 21 July, 11 August and 22 September at the Gallery.

Run by art therapist Shan Rixon who is experienced in using the arts for wellbeing, Shan’s aim is to create a calm, accessible and supportive space, where participants feel at ease to learn new skills and inspired to nurture their creativity.     

Each session will include a grounding or mindfulness exercise followed by a crafting activity chosen to activate characteristics of Flow – the mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.

Upcoming dates:

• Sunday 21 July, 2 – 4pm: Stitching
• Sunday 11 August, 2 – 4pm: Pottery
• Sunday 22 September, 2-4pm: Weaving 

These workshops are designed to support those with low to moderate mental health needs such as mild anxiety or low mood. They are also suitable for those feeling isolated, stressed or overwhelmed due to having an ongoing health condition or being a carer, for example. As we are an arts organisation rather than mental health providers, these workshops are not suitable for those with complex mental health needs or for those in crisis. If you are in need of support, please contact the Waltham Forest Single Point of Access. 

If you have any questions, comments or additional access requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Christine Lai, Public Programme Curator: christine.lai@walthamforest.gov.uk 

These sessions are part of a new strand of programming at William Morris Gallery, focused on embedding health and wellbeing through creativity.

Artist biography

Shan is an art psychotherapist with a background in anthropology and documentary photography. Before training as a therapist, she worked in museums and galleries for many years delivering creative programmes for young people. She enjoys hands-on making such as collage, crochet and ceramics. 

Of mixed heritage, Shan is drawn to conversations around identity, community and social justice. Alongside working on community programmes, she manages a service in the NHS for adults with complex needs, using the arts to support wellbeing. 

With an understanding of the fear some have around using art materials, Shan’s aim is to create a calm, accessible and supportive space, where participants feel at ease to learn new skills and inspired to nurture their creativity.