Digital Arts Box CIC received £1,000 from our Helping Hands fund. This money helped them run three free “Cuppa ’n’ Create” workshops at Grangeway Community Centre. The sessions gave local people the chance to get creative, learn simple digital skills, and spend time with others.

The workshops included:

• Decorating tote bags
• Making digital art using ProCreate
• Creating light‑up Valentine’s cards

Nine people took part, including three Halton Housing customers. Many said they did not feel confident with digital skills before joining.

Participants said the sessions helped them “learn new things” and “step out of my comfort zone.”

Helping Hands offers small grants to community groups and projects that make a positive difference in Halton. All funding decisions are made by our Customer Forum, so customers choose which projects to support.

Digital Arts Box CIC are a not-for-profit community interest company which provides projects in digital arts and technology in the local community. 

Georgina Crank, Social Impact and Engagement Officer, said: “Helping people build confidence, make friends, and try digital skills for the first time is what Helping Hands is all about. These workshops created a warm, friendly space where everyone felt included.”

The sessions also helped improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and boost people’s self‑belief. Many participants said they enjoyed having a safe, supportive activity close to home. Some now want to continue learning new creative or digital skills.

Learn more about Helping Hands here.