Health

Chilli Studios

An inclusive community space where creativity is a tool to influence positive change in people's mental wellbeing.

Smiling woman participating in a crafting session

Close to central Newcastle, Chilli Studios works with vulnerable people with a range of complex issues who develop self-confidence, emotional stability and new skills via the charity’s arts-based workshops. The charity runs a rich variety of programmes to meet many interests from creative writing, glass making, music production and ceramics, to knit and natter sessions.

Our Garfield Weston grant has been invaluable during a challenging time of increased demand and limited core funding. The fund’s flexibility is unique, demonstrating trust in our work and our ability to address areas of need and achieve our mission. This support has allowed us to navigate these difficulties while maintaining and developing our valuable service. We are grateful for the trust placed in Chilli Studios.

We appreciated Chilli Studio’s track record of adapting its programmes to meet demand, including its recent peer programme which is helping people into volunteering and employment. We could see that Chilli Studios has worked hard to diversify its income, including paid for programmes with local health providers and a new retail outlet.

The Foundation values community-based wellbeing and peer support activities that make a tangible difference to people’s lives and we’re happy to make a grant to help Chilli Studios with its general running costs.

See more examples of charities we have supported