The Handmade Fair - hosted by Kirstie Allsopp at Hampton Court - recently discovered people believe crafting helps them cope with mental health issues.

Crafting makes people feel relaxed, creative, calm and happy, according to the survey, with three in four of the 1,000 people surveyed agreeing it can improve your mental health or wellbeing.

Recognising the link between crafting and wellbeing, The Handmade Fair is launching the Making Time project during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 14-20).

Kirstie Allsopp said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching this project and hope to encourage as many people as possible throughout the UK, men and women, to take part.

"It’s hard to realise how much of a difference just half an hour of crafting a day can make to your wellbeing until you try it for yourself, so we’re keen to get as many people on board as possible to put down their mobile phones, pick up their craft materials and forget their stresses.

“Our hope for this project is to create awareness of the power of making and crafting, and with mental health issues affecting so many in the UK today, both at home and in the workplace, this is more important than ever.”

Making is enjoying a resurgence thanks to on-trend crafts like macramé and weaving. Even calligraphy is having a moment - Meghan Markle used to work as a calligrapher on the side.

A dedicated Making Time drop in area will be available at the Handmade Fair, taking place at Hampton Court Palace in September 2018.

Visitors will be invited to make and craft at their own pace for half an hour to enhance their wellbeing.

As part of the project, limited edition Handmade Fair Making Time Crafting Kits will also be available for businesses to purchase for their employees.

Each Crafting Kit is available to purchase online for £20, with all proceeds going to Mind.

Karen Bolton, Head of community and events fundraising for Mind said: “We’re delighted that the Handmade Fair have chosen Mind to benefit from their limited edition Crafting Kits.

"We know that many people find craft activities to be great for their mental health, because it can help you switch off from day to day pressures and turn negative thoughts or feelings into something positive.

"That’s why Mind encourages people to get together and run their own ‘Crafternoons’, which combines the wellbeing benefits of crafting while raising money to help Mind."

The survey:

  • More than a third of crafters claim crafting helps them deal with stress
  • A quarter said it had helped them cope with depression or anxiety.
  • This number rose among 18-24 year olds, with 37 per cent of crafters saying making helped them through mental health issues
  • As well as combating stress, one in five of 18-65 year olds said making and crafting helps them achieve a better work-life balance.

Find out more about how to get involved with the Handmade Fair’s ‘Making Time’ campaign and find inspiration for simple makes here.