Newton-le-Willows Arts on Prescription

Following Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board and Cabinet approval, the Board are taking forward in Year 1 the three early delivery projects below:

• St Johns Playground - the installation of a new playground at St Johns Park in Earlestown to replace existing equipment and create an inclusive, fully accessible recreation space for young people in the heart of the community.  
• Earlestown Town Hall Audio-Visual and Lighting -  the installation of professional, high-quality Audio-Visual and lighting infrastructure in the main hall of Earlestown Town Hall to add further functionality and community uses beyond the restoration of the historic building into a flexible, multi-use space for the community. 
• Arts on Prescription - a programme of arts and creative workshops for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, providing a creative route to wellbeing based at Newton Library.  

What will the Newton-le-Willows Arts on Prescription Programme include?

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 programme 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 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 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 programme will be open to people who are living or accessing healthcare within Newton-le-Willows, with taster sessions starting in Newton-le-Willows Library on Crow Lane East from May 2026. 

Do you need extra support?

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.  

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

or call: 07745 590698. 

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