Thank you so much for running a fantastic group!

It has been our most successful group, and everyone involved has loved it! Thats beacuse of you! Honestly, it would not have been anywhere near as good, ran by anyone else.

I know Clair and I will defiantly miss you, but we hope to have you back soon. We wish you all the luck and success as a CIC.

p.s. If you do ever employ help, remember Clair and I are great!

Kylie and Clair - NHS Liskeard Team

"I am writing in support of the ongoing and expanded delivery of pottery sessions led by Rachel Richardson, a local ceramicist who has provided a deeply valuable creative programme for clients supported by the Kerrier Mental Health Team in Cornwall.

Over the past 10 months, I have supported a group of 15 clients—each living with various mental health challenges—to attend fortnightly pottery sessions facilitated by Rachel. The impact of these sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of therapeutic benefit and client engagement. Attendance remained consistently high throughout the programme, with clients rarely missing a session. In fact, the activity became so popular that I began transporting clients to an additional group in another town just to meet the growing demand.

Rachel’s sessions offered more than just a creative outlet. Clients developed a genuine sense of community, connecting with one another and with Rachel in a safe, welcoming, and non-clinical setting. Her teaching style is a key part of this success—gentle, encouraging, humorous, and inclusive. Clients regularly commented on how much they valued her kindness and approachability, as well as her ability to teach the craft in a way that made everyone feel confident and relaxed.

The benefits to mental health have been clear and wide-ranging. Clients gained a new interest, expressed themselves through art, and enjoyed a regular, meaningful activity that reduced isolation and provided a break from daily stress. Many shared that the sessions gave them something to look forward to each week—an opportunity to create, connect, and feel calm.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, I was also involved in the sessions and can personally attest to the positive atmosphere and therapeutic value Rachel brings to the room. It was a pleasure to take part, and a privilege to witness the impact it had on our clients. I have since spoken with many others in our service who would also greatly benefit from taking part in future sessions.

There is clear, ongoing demand for this type of creative therapeutic programme within our mental health services. I strongly support any initiative that would enable more of our clients to access pottery sessions with Rachel Richardson, whether through continued funding, new partnerships, or expansion to additional locations. Her work has made a significant difference in the lives of the people we support, and I hope very much that it can continue to do so."

Helen Mills - NHS Occupational Therapy Assistant

"The clay group has been such a pleasure to be a part of and has been very popular among the clients that attend. It offers a no-pressure environment where people can relax, express themselves, and connect through creativity. It's amazing to see clients so immersed and inspired in the activity and having the opportunity to feel a sense of reward from seeing the outcome of their creations"

Karen Jones - NHS Occupational Therapy Support Worker

"It was fantastic to have you on board and an absolute pleasure. I'm sad I was only able to join for the first few months. From those months alone it was very apparent that it contributed a lot to the patients wellbeing, and provided a platform for them to feel safe and connected to others in the group. I know that it helped --- to feel a sense of community where she had been excluded from other groups, just seeing her smile alone brought so much joy."

Becky Wearne - Occupational Therapy Support Worker

I have known Rachael who facilitates the Clay club for a number of months, I would like to mention this group as being a very positive and welcoming group for clients, On a professional level I know of a couple who have attended Clay Club constantly who would before never consider being a part of a group linked with mental health obstacles, I feel due to the contents of it being a Clay club and not linked with a 'Mental health' heading or using psychological tools this feels more of an easy going but still very important group to attend.

I also want to report on how much work is put in to this group, Rachael will arrive with 3 or 4 large trays of craft equipment to use, She is really good with all group attendees and is a natural which is clear the group enjoys being led by her and her in depth knowledge in Arts & Crafts.

I would really appreciate the Clay Club to continue as long as possible in Stepping Stones MHRC. I understand it has a valid place within our Centre and community.

Mr. Nicholas Andrew Madge - Mental Health Recovery Worker

“Rachael has run the clay club at The Old Library, Bodmin for almost two years and has been a real asset to our creative programme. We are very sorry to see her leave.

Rachael fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inspiring everyone who attends. Every session is organised smoothly and efficiently, making it easy for both beginners and experienced potters to learn and create together.

The real highlight has been Rachael herself—her passion, patience, and expertise make each class a genuine pleasure. She always takes the time to encourage, guide, and generously share her knowledge, helping everyone grow in confidence and skill. I have learned so much more than I expected, and my love of pottery has flourished thanks to this fantastic club and its wonderful tutor.”

Highly Recommended!

Julie Griffins - Into Bodmin

You're the best

Thank you for providing a fab group for us over the last 10 months!

Restormel CMHT

"I had got very stay at home, It has made me get off my backside and join in and do something that I have thoroughly enjoyed"

"I have been stressed this year, and this has been something to look forward too"

"Some ‘me time’ ! As a retired school librarian, it was lovely to create again!"

"Really struggling at the moment. Pottery was the only positive thing happening"

"Feeling relaxed and part of a group"

"A good break from everyday life"

"I looked forward to clay session and felt boosted in spirits"`

"It has made me join in again. After a busy work life, it was easy to just waste away at home. It has given me the confidence to try something new."

"It has been so much fun and so relaxing, I would recommend it to anyone"

"It’s been great – so sorry it has to end. It also adds support to our village hall, which could become under threat."

"Gave me a reason to get out"

"as stated, it was the bright thing at the moment"

"Opportunity to sit down for once, be creative and meet new people"

"Thoroughly enjoyed myself very good teaching"

"Enjoyment, and pushed me to think and experiment"

"Fun, relaxing, enjoyable"

"Thoroughly enjoyable. Very encouraging not to be too precious"

"A great experience, made new friends and given my self-confidence a jolt in the right direction"

"Rachael is great, just the right balance of instruction and support for our own ideas. Well done!"

' I’d love to do it again"

"Really refreshing to be free and encouraged to just have a go and push it!"

Clay Clubbers - North Petherwin

"Brought me out of my shell"

"It gave me a break from the regular day today stresses"

"I felt like the project had a positive influence on my well-being and mood"

"Really looked forward to each session. Really focused my attention and took my mind of things, stopped all the bad thought. Felt happier."

"Looked forward to it. Rachael was lovely."

"Had a great Feeling of achievement"

"More relaxed – great mindfulness activity"

"Took me out of my comfort zone"

"I loved clay Club it made me happy and I was always excited to come"

"Made me realise how much engaging in creative actitivies means to patients and the importance"

"Fun and relaxing, took my mind of everything"

"Fun activity, is good for mental health"

"I look forward to coming, love the creativity and inclusivity"

"If I was positive it added to a good mood."

"Always looked forward to attending"

"Everyone was welcoming and everyone’s kindness shone through"

"His project got me reconnected with my creative passion at a time where I felt hopeless, worthless and incapable."

"It got me out of Bed; it made me interact with people. It was nice to make things"

"Fun, interactive"

"Loved it soo much, something to look forward too"

"Opportunity to meet people and see their talents"

"The project was amazing. I loved every minute of it and will miss it."

"Really enjoyed it, quite freeing."

"Very nice staff"

"A fantastic opportunity for everyone, would not have been able to get the chance to try pottery."

"Time out"

"I feel as if this project has been a positive influence on my creativity"

"It gave me structure to my week"

"Learning of new skills, relaxing and enjoying others company."

"It has meant that I got to do something different that was challenging but fun."

"Very fun and a bit practical"

"Something to look forward to. Opportunity to express yourself freely."

"As this was one of the first things I attended, I found it very encouraging, the atmosphere good and welcoming and the creativity great!"

"It was a great experience and definitely had a positive effect on me."

"really enjoyable, well-taught and I felt encouraged"

'It was all over brilliant"

"Everyone was friendly"

"Rachael is a very good teacher"

"I found everything in the group to be great"

"It’s been great, don’t want it to finish"

"Rachael is an amazing teacher"

"It was great, thank you"

"Rachael – not only clever and helpful but easy going and fun.'

Feedback from Clay Clubbers - NHS Mental Health