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CraftWell: Empowering Seniors Through Craft Therapy

2023-2-FI01-KA210-ADU-0001737452023Small-scale partnerships in adult educationfinalized
Countries: FI|IT|BG · Grant: €60,000
Creativity, arts and cultureActive ageingGreen skills

Objectives

The CraftWell project was implemented with the overall aim of improving the mental, emotional, and social well‑being of seniors through the therapeutic use of sustainable craftsmanship. By introducing craft therapy as an innovative alternative to traditional art therapy, the project seeks to create meaningful activities that support self‑expression, cognitive engagement, and social inclusion. Main Objectives of the Project: 1. Enhance the well‑being of seniors 2. Build professional competences in craft therapy 3. Promote sustainable and innovative therapeutic practices 4. Support transnational cooperation and exchange of good practices, and Strengthen the capacity of partners 5. Develop high‑quality educational and therapeutic resources with three key results: - The CraftWell Guidebook - A Digital course - TheCraftWell Memories Gallery 6. Increase accessibility and inclusion for seniors link to the activities/results: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Immn12zwsImbFI2bq3FjVi6ZPP4kvgbb?usp=drive_link

Background

We applied for the CraftWell project because it responds to a clear and growing need to support the mental, emotional, and social well‑being of seniors through accessible, meaningful, and sustainable therapeutic activities. Across Europe, depression, loneliness, and social isolation are increasingly common among older adults, and existing support services often lack innovative, engaging, and environmentally conscious approaches. CraftWell addresses this gap by introducing craft therapy as an alternative to conventional art therapy, using diverse forms of craftsmanship to promote relaxation, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and self‑expression. The project also addresses several additional needs: the need for new tools for professionals; the need for sustainable and inclusive practices; the need to combat social isolation an the need for shared European knowledge and cooperation. Overall, we applied for this project because CraftWell directly addresses the mental‑health challenges of seniors, equips professionals with new interdisciplinary skills, promotes social inclusion, and introduces sustainable craftsmanship as a meaningful and impactful therapeutic practice.

Project partners (3)