Publish date: 21 January 2026
Behind every cancer diagnosis is a unique emotional journey. A new arts and crafts class at the Tameside Macmillan Unit is designed to help local people deal with the emotional toll of cancer by expressing themselves through creative activities.
Classes are free and open to anyone who is living with or recovering from cancer, as well as carers and family members of people with cancer. No previous arts and crafts experience is required to take part.
Run by experienced art therapy facilitators, the classes encourage self-expression and foster a sense of connection between local people who share similar experiences. Participants will also have access to resources, information and additional support services, and come away with new coping methods for difficult times.
Class activities include acrylic and watercolour painting, collage making, crafting with natural materials such as leaves and flowers, as well as mindfulness and art journalling.
Sharon is one participant who has found art therapy to be beneficial for her mental health and wellbeing. She had previously been to another art therapy class in Dukinfield, and when she heard about the sessions starting up at the Tameside Macmillan Unit, she decided to jump back in.
“I find it really therapeutic, relaxing,” Sharon says, “It’s been nice to meet other people going through the same thing.”
Another participant, Emma, has found art therapy to be a good opportunity to revisit creative hobbies that had fallen by the wayside.
“I used to do bits of art on and off when there was time, but I hadn’t done anything for a while,” she explains.
“I wanted to have that space to do something creative and really focus on how we’re feeling.”
The next session takes place on Friday 23 January 2026 from 1pm to 3pm, at the Tameside Macmillan Unit (Fountain St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9RW, UK).
Register online on the Tameside Macmillan Unit website.
