Sarah and Colin are boosting creativity
Nestled away in a bucolic cabin in rural Weardale, The Wiggly Path CIC offers the perfect respite for those seeking to boost their health and wellbeing or simply just want to have a try at a new experience.
Set up by husband and wife duo, Colin and Sarah Wilson, the social enterprise helps people learn new skills, meet new people and feel better by practicing heritage crafts.
Woodcraft, weaving, stitching and printing are just a few of the traditional skills that participants can try their hand at, as well as joining the group for informal catchups to discuss everyday rural life.
The enterprising duo, who hail from nearby Witton-le-Wear, both worked in the design department at Northumbria University prior to setting up the community interest company, which has allowed them to use their shared love and experience of the arts to give back to their local community.
Colin said: “At first, the idea was to have people pay to attend workshops, but then Covid and the cost-of-living crisis hit, and gradually, different institutions began asking us to run classes to help those struggling with isolation.
“That is where it really took off. We didn’t realise just how big the mental health crisis actually was. Now the majority of activities we do are classes to help people who feel isolated or simply want to boost their wellbeing. We even host children’s classes where rural parents can participate alongside their kids while taking a break from the everyday routine.”
The Wiggly Path CIC only began delivering workshops in October, yet it has already attracted over 180 participants. With additional activities in the pipeline for the winter months, including team-building workshops for small businesses, Sarah and Colin are excited to continue expanding their impact well into the future.
The Wiggly Path CIC was supported by the Social Enterprise Durham Boost programme, delivered by the North East BIC.
Social Enterprise Durham Boost is one of six pilot initiatives being delivered across England, funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. The programme has helped dozens of County Durham social entrepreneurs start up and grow purpose-led enterprises.
To find out more or to get involved, visit: https://www.ne-bic.co.uk/social-boost-durham/ or phone: 0191 516 6138.