At Red Squirrel Property Shop, supporting our local community is incredibly important to us. For this month's Charity Day, we're delighted to be supporting Independent Arts, an Isle of Wight charity making a real difference to people's lives through creativity, connection and community.
We recently met with the team at Independent Arts to learn more about their work, the people they support and why their services are so important to our Island.
What we discovered was an organisation that's doing far more than many people might realise.
Almost 40 years of bringing people together
Independent Arts was founded in 1987, beginning as a drama project in prisons before expanding into the wider community.
Today, the charity operates from its Creative Hub on Newport High Street, which opened in 2020–21, and delivers activities across the Isle of Wight.
With its 40th anniversary approaching in 2027, Independent Arts has spent almost four decades using creativity to improve people's wellbeing.
But as we discovered during our meeting, the charity's work isn't really about teaching people to become artists.
It's about reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Through singing, dancing, movement, arts and crafts, and other creative activities, Independent Arts gives people somewhere to go, something to look forward to and an opportunity to connect with others.
For some participants, attending a workshop might be their only social interaction of the week. For others, it's an opportunity to establish a routine, make friends or simply enjoy an hour away from everyday pressures.
And, of course, there's usually time for a cup of tea and a biscuit!
More than just a gallery
If you've walked past the Independent Arts Creative Hub on Newport High Street, you might recognise it as a gallery or somewhere offering art workshops.
However, there's much more happening behind the scenes.
The charity supports over 400 people every week, working with Islanders of all ages, from primary school children to older adults.
Its Creative Hub runs workshops six days a week, while singing groups take place in different communities across the Island.
Independent Arts also delivers creative wellbeing activities to approximately 45 care homes and residential settings, sending artists, musicians and reminiscence practitioners to work directly with residents.
For people who may find it difficult to get out and attend community activities, these sessions can provide valuable opportunities for social interaction, stimulation and enjoyment.
It's an important part of Independent Arts' work that many Islanders may never see.
Creativity without the pressure
One of the things that stood out during our meeting was Independent Arts' approach to creativity.
You don't have to be particularly artistic, have any previous experience or produce something impressive to benefit from taking part.
Most of the charity's regular activities are social workshops rather than formal lessons or courses.
Whether it's painting, singing, dancing or simply taking a sketchbook outside, the focus is on enjoying the experience and making time for yourself.
Creativity provides an opportunity to concentrate on something different, take a break from everyday worries and enjoy being around other people.
It's something that can be particularly valuable for those experiencing loneliness, anxiety or a lack of confidence.
And sometimes, the simplest activities can have the biggest impact.
Workshops that make a difference:
Creative Café and SingAbout
Two of Independent Arts' longstanding projects, Creative Café and SingAbout, have both been running for over a decade. Some participants have attended regularly for more than ten years, demonstrating how important these groups have become to their weekly routines.
Men's Art Project (MAP)
Launched approximately two years ago, the Men's Art Project brings men together through creative activities led by professional artists. Participants explore different techniques, including printmaking and photography, and have the opportunity to exhibit their work.
The team shared how taking part has helped some members develop confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Move and Groove
This group combines meditation, gentle movement and dancing, providing a welcoming opportunity to stay active, socialise and have some fun.
These are just a few examples of the activities taking place at Independent Arts. With multiple workshops running throughout the week, alongside community singing groups and care home visits, there's a great deal happening both inside and outside the Creative Hub.
Building confidence and changing lives
One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was hearing about the difference Independent Arts can make beyond the workshops themselves.
The team shared the story of a volunteer who initially joined them through a supported placement with very little confidence.
Over approximately five years of volunteering, she gradually developed her confidence, made friendships, became more independent and began volunteering elsewhere.
She's now been offered a full-time job.
It's a wonderful example of how having somewhere welcoming to go, being given time and encouragement, and feeling part of a community can help someone develop the confidence to take their next steps.
Independent Arts is supported by approximately 40 volunteers, who help with everything from making tea to spending time chatting with participants.
The charity also works with around 45–50 freelance artists, providing opportunities for local creative professionals while delivering its programmes across the Island.
How can we support Independent Arts?
Like many charities, Independent Arts relies heavily on grant funding to deliver its services.
Although these grants are essential, they are often allocated to specific projects. Additional community fundraising can give the charity greater flexibility to develop new activities and respond to what local people need.
During our meeting, the team highlighted something they'd particularly love to see more of: Islanders choosing Independent Arts for their own fundraising challenges and events.
Whether you're planning a sponsored walk, running a marathon, organising a bake sale or taking on another challenge, choosing Independent Arts as your charity could make a meaningful difference.
You can also support them by making a donation, volunteering, attending their events or simply helping more people discover what they do.
Sometimes, spreading the word is just as valuable. You never know who might benefit from discovering a welcoming creative group in their community.
Looking ahead to 40 years of Independent Arts
2027 will mark Independent Arts' 40th anniversary, and the team are planning special fundraising activities and celebrations.
One of the ideas discussed during our meeting was encouraging people to raise £40 for their 40th anniversary.
It's a simple fundraising target that could be achieved through anything from a small office bake sale to a personal challenge.
The charity is also planning further fundraising campaigns, including its Christmas matched-donation campaign, where eligible donations can be doubled up to the campaign's matching limit.
Keep an eye on Independent Arts' channels for confirmed dates and details of upcoming events.
A huge thank you from Red Squirrel
We're delighted to have chosen Independent Arts for our Charity Day and to help shine a light on the work they do.
A huge thank you to the team for taking the time to meet with us and share their stories.
Their work is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to be about producing a masterpiece. Sometimes, it's simply about having somewhere to go, meeting someone new and taking a little time for yourself.
If you'd like to learn more, explore their workshops or find out how to support them, visit their website:
And if you're considering your next fundraising challenge, why not make Independent Arts your chosen charity?
