Creative Alternatives is coming to Newton-le-Willows!

Article date: 25 June 2026

First commissioned in St Helens in 2015, Creative Alternatives offers a unique model of mental health and wellbeing support that uses creativity and social connections as an alternative or complimentary programme to clinical support. The service has been supporting people in the borough living with stress, anxiety, and/or depression for over ten years and in partnership with St Helens Borough Council, Creative Alternatives has now been awarded £24,000 of funding from the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board via the Pride in Place Programme. This commitment from the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board will facilitate delivery of a year-long programme based in the heart of Newton-le-Willows.

The Creative Alternatives locality programme will be open to people who are living or accessing healthcare within Newton-le-Willows, with the sessions starting in Newton-le-Willows Library on Crow Lane East in June 2026.

Creative Alternatives Programme Manager, Helen Holden says:

"We are thrilled to be able to now extend our established service to make it more accessible for the people of Newton-le-Willows! We will be running groups out of Newton-le-Willows Library which we hope encourages people to feel comfortable and safe being in a well-known community setting. We understand how hard it can be for anyone experiencing anxiety and low mood, but we've seen how people can feel better and grow in confidence by accessing an arts and health programme like ours.

Creative Alternatives offers a free, short-term wellbeing programme which uses a mix of creative art-forms, expressive writing, and mindful practices. Sessions focus on enjoyment and relaxation rather than technique and provides participants with additional support and care that extends beyond the weekly group sessions.

The primary service in St Helens is commissioned by St Helens Borough Council's Public Health Service and forms part of the Arts in Libraries Programme for the borough. The additional funding for the Newton-le-Willows programme has come via investment from Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board's as part of the Pride in Place Programme which will see £20million invested in the town over the next ten years.

Chris Hickey, chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board said: "As a Board we are determined for the Pride in Place funding to have a real impact on the people of Newton-le-Willows and our funded early delivery projects, including Arts on Prescription, demonstrate our commitment to delivering high quality schemes that will benefit residents and businesses in our town. I'd like to thank all of the Neighbourhood Board members for their hard work and input in getting us to the point of delivery, this is just the start of our ambitions, there is more to come for our area over the next decade." 

Creative Alternatives will be open to new referrals from anyone living or accessing healthcare within Newton-le-Willows from May 2026 to March 2027. There will be three 10-week groups taking place throughout the year ensuring there are continuing opportunities for anyone eligible and in need of the service from the local areas.

Impact and Recognition

Independent evaluation shows participants consistently report improved mental health and lifestyle outcomes. On average, wellbeing scores increase by around five points, exceeding national benchmarks. Qualitative feedback describes the service as "a lifeline" and "the best support for my mental health that I've ever received."

Creative Alternatives has also gained wider recognition, receiving awards such as the Northwest Public Health Award and Team of the Year, further cementing its reputation for innovation and quality.

About Creative Alternatives

Creative Alternatives is a socially prescribed, arts and wellbeing service for adults aged 18+ experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression &/or stress. Creative Alternatives is managed by Alef Trust who are commissioned by St Helens Borough Council's Public Health Service and forms part of the Arts in Libraries Programme. The additional funding for the Newton-le-Willows programme has come via Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board as part of the Pride in Place Programme. Participants can self-refer or be referred professionally via a healthcare and community professionals.

For further information about the programme and how to take part please contact: Helen Holden, Programme Manager email: helen@creativealternatives.org.uk or call: 07745 590698

Further details can be found on the website: www.creativealternatives.org.uk