NEARLY half of adults in North Wales turned to their creative side to cope during the pandemic.

According to a survey conducted by the mental health charity, Mind, which saw over 900 people in Wales participate, a total of 48 per cent of adults said they had been doing something creative in order to help their mental health.

Connecting with family and friends online was also the most popular way to cope amongst both young people and adults, with more than three quarters of people (76 per cent) saying they had found it helpful.

The impact of the first lockdown on people’s mental health, especially for those with existing mental health problems, was ‘unquestionable’, according to the charity.

Over half of adults and two thirds of young people said that their mental health had got worse during lockdown, with more than one in five young people and adults developing mental health problems for the first time.

With Wales facing ongoing restrictions, the nation is facing a mental health crisis, as people continue to struggle with isolation, stress, grief, financial worries and fears about the future, which is why it is vital to continue to find ways to support our mental health and wellbeing.

To combat this, Mind are inviting the public to take part in the nation’s craftiest virtual fundraiser, Crafternoon, on Saturday, December 5 and spend a creative afternoon folding, stitching and sticking.

It is a chance to connect with your favourite people together online – no matter where they are - and share some precious time making beautiful Christmas cards, decorations and presents, while raising money for mental health services so that no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

With nearly a third of young people and adults in North Wales saying they did not, or rarely, felt relaxed during the first lockdown, Crafternoon is also the perfect opportunity to take time to zone out from the daily pressures of life to do an activity that is enjoyable, challenging, or completely new.

Kathleen Miles, director of fundraising at Mind, said: “ Christmas Crafternoon is back to bring some fun, festive cheer to the year, with some fabulous craft and recipe ideas, tips and practical support you need to get you started.

“Absolutely anyone can take part, regardless of whether you have crafted before, and it’s so easy to join in, using any supplies to hand.

“Not only will you be making beautiful Christmas cards, decorations and presents but you will also be making a difference by joining us in our mission for better mental health.

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s mental health, especially for those of us with existing mental health problems, has been devastating, and the effects will be long lasting.

“We’re continuing to face huge demand for our advice and information about staying well and looking after your mental health, as well as needing to support our local Minds to adapt their services and keep our Infoline and legal line running.

“As the second wave of coronavirus has an impact on the lives of many people and on their mental health, every donation we receive from Christmas Crafternoon will help us make sure we’re there for as many people who need us as possible.”

Mind is encouraging supporters to take part in the virtual event on December 5 but if you are busy that day you can hold your event whenever suits you during the festive period, with the Mind fundraising team being on hand to offer support.

For more information, visit mind.org.uk/Crafternoon2020.