Tea, Cake & Art

Tea, Cake & Art is a creative social group for people over 65 who feel isolated or lonely, and who would like to meet others and explore creative activities together in a friendly and relaxed environment.

We are currently hosting two weekly Tea, Cake & Art sessions:

Tuesday: 10.30 – 12.30
Tuesday: 14.00 – 16.00

Feeling isolated can have many roots – living alone, grieving, having caring responsibilities, socio-economic circumstances, anxiety, access barriers due to health, and many more. While you can refer yourself, we want to ensure this offer reaches those most in need and we work closely with social prescribing links and other partners in the area.

Tea, Cake & Art welcomes people with Dementia and their carers, as well as carers who would like to attend on their own.

If you would like to join or have any questions about Tea, Cake & Art, please get in touch with Fran by email [email protected] or call 01736 363715 for more details.

Tea, Cake & Art is currently free to attend, and we work hard to keep it so, but we recognise that isolation and poor mental health can affect anyone, not just those on low incomes. If you want to support the project, please donate via our Crowdfunder HERE.

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We’re launching our 2025 Tea, Cake & Art Crowdfunder – and we need your help.

We asked our group members to describe what Tea, Cake & Art means to them. Their answers ranged from Creative to Mess, Essential, Human, Lifeline, and Fun! These three-word snapshots capture the spirit of the group – a vital, welcoming space for older people experiencing isolation or loneliness.

WATCH THE FILM HERE

To keep the programme running free and open to those over 65 living with isolation, we need to raise £3,000 towards the annual cost of more than £15,000. Every donation makes a difference, from a £6 pay it forward to an annual business sponsorship of this brilliant group for £1,000.

As a thank you, we’re offering a range of Crowdfunder rewards, including original artworks created by the group. You can also support the campaign by visiting their current exhibition, The Creative Quarter, at The Exchange, which has selected works for sale, and 100% of proceeds going directly to the fundraiser.

DONATE HERE

Please consider donating, sharing, and spreading the word – and help us keep Tea, Cake & Art going in 2025 and beyond.

See Read More below for FAQs

Tea, Cake & Art is delivered with support from Cornwall Council Social Inclusion Fund and Community Chest Fund.

TEA, CAKE & ART FAQs

Who is eligible to take part in Tea, Cake & Art?

Tea, Cake & Art is for people aged 65 or over who feel isolated or lonely or suffer with anxiety.

Feeling isolated can have many roots – living alone, grieving, having caring responsibilities, socio-economic circumstances, anxiety, access barriers due to health – and many more. While you can refer yourself, we want to ensure this offer reaches those most in need of it and we work closely with social prescribing links and other partners in the area.

When and where does it happen?

Tuesdays – in The Engine Room at The Exchange.

Tea, Cake & Art runs weekly, the morning group runs 10.30 – 12.30, the afternoon group runs 14.00 – 16.00. Every other week the gallery’s Programme Producer Bettina will deliver a workshop for both groups or invite a guest artist to do so. In the alternating weeks participants can choose to continue with the workshop themes or follow their own interests.

For those who would like to attend but cannot do so in person due to access barriers, we can offer Zoom as an option to join in remotely. This is only possible for sessions led by Bettina and if you require this option, please do let Bettina know as you sign up. If you attend via Zoom you are responsible to source your own workshop materials and while we take care to adapt workshops to online users, you will have a different experience than in-person participants.

Tea, Cake & Art was established by Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange in 2019.

Since 2020 a Tea, Cake & Art sister project exists in Penryn, delivered by Grays Wharf.

Who will be leading the sessions?

The sessions alternate between led workshops and independent group activity.

Every other week the gallery’s Programme Producer Bettina will deliver a workshop for the group or invite a guest artist to do so. In the alternating weeks participants can choose to continue with the workshop themes and activities or follow their own interests.

What are the activities?

Themes and activities are inspired by the gallery’s exhibition programme and by the participants’ own interests and suggestions. Previously, we have explored printmaking, weaving, paper making, drawing, painting, 3D work, collage, and sound.

Occasionally we also go on local fieldtrips, which may include practical workshops inspired by the location. In the past we have visited Morrab Library, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, The Community Garden in Penzance, and The Hypatia Trust.

Do I need to know about art?

You don’t need to know anything about art, and you don’t need to have any experience in making art. Tea, Cake & Art is about enjoyment and discovering new things as a group. Being open and curious is all that is required.

Do I have to pay, book or bring anything?

This group is free to join, and materials will be provided for those taking part in person. Those taking part via Zoom are encouraged to use materials they might have at home already and we always try and suggest alternative options where specialist tools or materials are required for an activity.

Tea, Cake & Art is an ongoing project without a set end date.

To join please email Bettina at [email protected]. If you don’t have access to email, please leave your name, postal address and phone number at reception at either gallery venue or by calling the gallery on 01736 363715.

Participants will be asked to complete a feedback form on joining and then again every six months – in Feb and Sep.

Do I have to come every week?

You don’t have to take part every week, but it would be great if you did! The more often you come the more you will get out of it.

Tea, Cake & Art is a creative wellbeing offer and we understand that mental health can fluctuate. Some participants attend ongoing, some choose to attend only for a period. As part of our activities, we aim to signpost participants to other offers and opportunities they might benefit from and enjoy beyond Tea, Cake & Art. For example through our field trips to other local organisations.