Towner Eastbourne extends its creative kit bags scheme for the vulnerable

Working in partnership, 13 community groups, charities and local services will receive more than 1,000 bags in total, including Eastbourne Food Bank, Waves Seaford, Holding Space, Eastbourne NetworX, Community Stuff, Memory Lane, Children’s Services, East Sussex, Brighton Women’s Centre, AiM, Enthum Foundation and the Association of Carers.

Towner began distributing creative materials to households in Eastbourne and East Sussex last year during the first lockdown. So far more than 1,500 bags have been distributed to families and individuals. Now as the third lockdown continues to impact those who are vulnerable and self-isolating the hardest, Towner is pleased on this occasion to be able to join forces with the South Downs National Parks to support these groups.

In an initiative driven by Towner’s learning team – Esther Collins and Willow Mitchell – the recyclable paper bags and their artistic contents have been devised and packed with the anticipation that they will continue to provide some time for reflection and respite during these difficult times.

Esther Collins, head of learning, Towner Eastbourne, said: “We are committed to finding ways to support the amazing work that our partners do with those who will be hardest hit by this crisis. During the pandemic, delivering the kit bags has been an important part of how we build stronger partnerships in our community, and begin a conversation about how we might work together in the future. I hope that the new contents – which are designed to engage people in a sensory experience using natural making materials – will be a way for people to be present in the moment, and through noticing the changing seasons despite all the unknowns, experience a slower, consistent pace of life.”

Anooshka Rawden, cultural heritage lead for the South Downs National Park Authority, added: “We know this pandemic has hit some people much harder than others, and we wanted to support those charities and community groups who have been there for all our friends and neighbours who have found themselves experiencing difficult times. These free kit bags of art materials and activities provide a chance to find space and contemplation in the natural world, whether that is the landscape of the National Park or connection to nature on your doorstep. Creativity is a wonderful way to find moments of peace and space. It really has the power to bring people together and provide a much-needed uplift.”