Business Details
25 Years
experience
Creative Arts for Mental Health in Huddersfield
Established in 2001, hoot creative arts is a Huddersfield-based charity dedicated to enhancing mental health and emotional wellbeing through creative activities. With two decades of experience, we deliver a diverse range of arts programmes commissioned by Kirklees Council and NHS Integrated Care Board, serving adults with mental health needs, dementia patients, and vulnerable groups across Kirklees. Our team of experienced professionals combines artistic expertise with compassionate support to help individuals develop creative self-care techniques, fostering personal growth and community connection.Recognised by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation, we maintain rigorous quality standards through partnerships like Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing. Our inclusive approach actively challenges biases in arts participation, ensuring equitable access for all. Through initiatives like Kirklees Year of Music and collaborations with organisations such as Working Together Better, we continue to expand our impact while maintaining our core belief that creative expression is fundamental to human wellbeing.
Services
Visual Arts
Music Making
Creative Writing
Digital Music
Singing Workshops
Silk Painting
Mindful Art
Creation Station
Dementia Support
Wellbeing Activities
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- 20 years' experience delivering arts-based mental health programmes
- Commissioned by Kirklees Council and NHS Integrated Care Board
- Inclusive approach challenging biases in arts participation
- Awarded Kirklees Volunteer Quality Award in 2025
- Recognised by Arts Council England as National Portfolio Organisation
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
- Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing
What people say
Life-changing experience
Supportive community
Skilled facilitators
Creative freedom
Positive mental health impact
Services
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts sessions include painting, drawing, textiles, and clay work. These creative activities help participants express themselves while developing technical skills. The therapeutic process promotes mental wellbeing through tactile engagement and artistic exploration. Sessions run weekly in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Music Making
Music Making sessions involve jamming, improvisation, and song-writing. These activities foster emotional expression and social connection through collaborative music creation. Participants develop musical skills while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of creative sound exploration. Available in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing workshops cover poetry, short stories, and journaling. The sessions encourage self-expression through written word while developing literary skills. Participants find therapeutic benefits in articulating thoughts and experiences creatively. Weekly sessions available in Huddersfield.
Digital Music
Digital Music sessions use computer-based tools for music creation. Participants learn to produce electronic music in our dedicated digital studio. This modern approach combines technical skill development with creative expression, offering therapeutic benefits through technology-based artistic exploration.
Creation Station
Creation Station provides tailored creative activities for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The sessions offer structured support for artistic development while promoting social interaction. Morning and afternoon options available in Huddersfield to accommodate different needs.
People
Gavin Clayton
CEO
Gavin leads hoot creative arts' strategic direction, bringing extensive experience in arts and mental health initiatives. He oversees programme development and organisational management while advocating for creative wellbeing across Kirklees.
Tor Mckenzie
Project Manager (Out of the Blue)
Tor manages the Out of the Blue service, coordinating creative mental health programmes. With specialist knowledge of community engagement, they ensure effective delivery of supported arts activities for adults across Kirklees.
Kathy Griffin
Creative Support Worker
Kathy provides direct support in creative sessions, helping participants engage with artistic activities. Her role involves facilitating access to arts therapies while offering personalised assistance to individuals with diverse support needs.
Peter Lyster
Chair of the Board
Peter chairs hoot's Board of Trustees, providing governance oversight and strategic guidance. He brings leadership experience from the arts and health sectors to support the charity's mission and organisational development.
Sally Barker
Internal Artist - Visual Arts
Sally delivers visual arts sessions, sharing professional expertise in painting and drawing. As an experienced artist, she facilitates skill development while encouraging personal creative expression through various media techniques.
Questions
How can I join hoot's creative activities?
Contact us via phone or email to arrange a Welcome Taster Session. No prior experience is needed - just bring your enthusiasm for creative exploration.
What mental health support do your services provide?
Our arts programmes help manage anxiety, depression, and stress through creative expression. Sessions promote emotional wellbeing through structured artistic engagement and peer support.
Are your workshops accessible for disabled participants?
We offer adapted sessions like Creation Station for learning disabilities. Our venue has wheelchair access and accessible facilities to accommodate diverse needs.
Do you offer online creative activities?
Yes, we provide digital music sessions and singing workshops online. These virtual options maintain interactive elements while ensuring accessibility for remote participants.
What age groups do you cater for?
Our primary focus is adults with mental health needs, including older adults with dementia. We also collaborate with partner organisations for youth-focused creative projects.
How is your organisation funded?
We receive funding through Arts Council England, Kirklees Council, NHS commissions, and charitable donations. This diverse funding model supports our free community-based creative health programmes.
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