Support Sandbach Art Room to Reduce Energy Arrears

Since 2014, Sandbach Art Room has provided Arts and Wellbeing sessions to improve health and wellbeing through creativity. We welcome everyone, including young people, individuals with special needs, the elderly, carers, and people with dementia and mental health difficulties, offering a warm, inclusive space to learn new skills and form meaningful connections.

Despite challenges during the pandemic, we maintained operational costs while closed. Unfortunately, our energy company went bust and we were switched to a new supplier, on a higher-tariff, which led to mounting arrears.

Through hard work, over the last two years, we have steadily reduced the amount owed and are on top of payments for our usage. Unfortunately the energy company is now requiring a significant lump sum payment to continue to provide services.

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to seek support from our community to secure our future and continue serving those who rely on us. Any contribution helps!

Here are some words from some of the people who come to our sessions:

I bring mum to the Arts for Dementia on a Monday, it's her favourite place to go. It's one of the few places she knows and remembers the tutor. The activities the tutor prepares are pitched just at the right level, some difficulty for those who can manage it, not prescriptive and everyone can have a go and produce their own version.

It really helps Dad to get a break from looking after mum and he has commented that she is much calmer when she returns home.

I come to three sessions per week at the Art Room, it really helps with my mental health - it basically gets me through the week and keeps me positive. I have been very low in the past and have thought about harming myself, but I do know that I can call into the Art Room at anytime and talk to a volunteer. I also know I can stay behind and chat with other people - we help each other. I've made some really good friends.

I've been coming to the Art Room since I was 6, I'm now 15 and doing my Duke of Edinburgh here. It's made a huge difference to my confidence and helped me to decide what I want to do as a career. I enjoy working with the younger children, encouraging them and showing them what can be achieved.

I'm a volunteer at The Art Room....it gets me out of the house, meeting new people and making good connections with local people. I'm now part of the Art Room Volunteer family, I have made friends with other volunteers and I thoroughly enjoy the social sessions that are organised for volunteers. I feel 'part of' something - it has given me a purpose in life.