A community organisation founded in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to make a positive impact across East Lancashire towns through free wellbeing activities rooted in creativity and connection.
The Greater Good Project started in 2022 by Cath Eddisford with a clear aim to create welcoming spaces where people can feel supported, express their creativity, and improve their mental health.
Cath said the idea for the project came from her own professional background and what she witnessed during the pandemic.
“Before starting the project, I worked for a local inclusive theatre company, where I saw the difference creativity can make in people’s lives,” she said.
“During the COVID period, I saw how much loneliness and isolation were affecting people’s lives, and this led to the idea of bringing people together when the lockdowns had lifted through creative projects. From that The Greater Good Project was born.”
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From the get-go, Cath was determined that cost would not be a barrier.
“I wanted to remove financial barriers, so from the beginning I focused on applying for grants to ensure the sessions could be offered for free,” she explained.
The organisation’s first funded project delivered free craft sessions, which quickly proved popular. Since then, further grants have enabled The Greater Good Project to expand its facilities.
Cath said, “Our first funded project provided free craft sessions, which proved incredibly popular. Soon after, we were fortunate to secure further grants to deliver a wide range of activities, including music and movement sessions in care homes, free creative writing sessions, coffee mornings, cooking workshops for teenagers, and many more community-based wellbeing projects.”
Today, the project runs a wide programme of inclusive sessions. Such as free music and movement sessions in care homes across Rossendale and Burnley, Sing, Move, Laugh sessions on Monday mornings in Haslingden, and free craft workshops on Tuesday mornings in Rawtenstall.
The organisation also delivers outreach sessions in workplaces, schools, care settings, and at community events, tailoring activities to meet the needs of different groups.
Cath says the real success of the project is seen in the people who attend.
“Some of our biggest highlights come from seeing people grow in confidence, form meaningful connections, and rediscover joy through creativity and shared experiences,” she said.
“We’re particularly proud of the way our work supports people across generations – from young people to older adults – helping to strengthen community connections.”
The Greater Good Project focuses on addressing unmet needs in local communities, particularly the lack of free or low-cost wellbeing activities, accessible creative outlets, and non-clinical mental health support in safe, welcoming spaces.
Cath finished by saying, “We are always guided by what our community tells us they need.”
Anyone interested in attending sessions or finding out more can contact Cath directly on 07727 180164 or email catheddisford1@gmail.com.
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