Grindon Painters
“I can’t paint”! I insisted when I was told that there was going to be a beginner’s watercolour class every Thursday morning, here at Grindon Church Community Project. The class sounded so relaxing and enjoyable.
We all began by making a name tag to experiment with the paint, the feel of the brush and a few various little tricks. Whet our appetite as it were. It certainly worked. Who knew that cling film and salt would have such an amazing effect?
The following week, we were all back and there was definitely a new air of confidence in the room that hadn’t been there the week before. We were off!
Since then our group has very quickly evolved into a little family. And guess what? We can all PAINT! At first Claudia, our lovely art teacher, managed to find ,hidden inside of all of us, true talent. Steph our current teacher has added to our knowledge of painting and other media and is challenging us as we go. She is happy to spend time with new beginners too
Claudia was fantastic, she took the time to go around everybody individually and help with their individual needs.
When I am there my anxiety is reduced to such a level that I actually feel relaxed. My confidence in my own abilities has grown and my mental health has improved. Come Thursday morning I feel able to socialise and sit amongst others, which is something that I have not felt able to do for a long time. I have even taken it up at home and I have found that it helps me immensely. 
Everybody has testified how included, relaxed and close we have all become. We all help and encourage each other not only with our art, but with our personal problems too, a shoulder and an ear for those who want and need it. 
Grindon Painters runs every Thursday 10am – 12pm, GCCP, Galway Road, SR4 8JZ
Pictures credited : Fran’s Nametag, Group Orchids. Beach Scene by Helen, Jo’s Woodland Walk, Leanne’s Sihouette, Fran’s Autumn Splash, Violetta’s by Kati, Nicole’s Floral Scene