You can find a wide range of organisations in Leeds that can help you to enjoy arts activities, events, workshops and classes for better mental wellbeing.
Let us know if you spot any organisations that are no longer running or that should be added and we’ll update our list!
Please note that groups and activities might have termly timetables, take breaks over school holidays or not run on Bank Holidays. Always follow links given, check on social media or contact them to make sure before you go.
Arts, groups and organisations
Craft2gether – art group at Stainbeck URC Church, Stainbeck Road, Chapel Allerton, LS7 2PP. For more information email bevart@gmail.com or call 07938 056 244
Cultural and Social Outings (Little London Arts) – Little London Arts (LLA) runs a project called Cultural and Social Outings that offers day trips for people in Leeds, aged over 50, who experience (or are at risk of) social isolation.
Northlight Arts Centre – based near Chapel Allerton, are a not-for-profit arts centre and gallery, empowering individuals of all ages to explore and express their creativity freely.
Purple Patch Arts – Purple Patch Arts runs activities and groups for people in Leeds with autism and learning disabilities.
Skippo – Skippko is an arts organisation based in Holbeck, South Leeds, that runs innovative and exciting visual arts projects.
Space2 (Gipton) – Space2, based in Gipton, Leeds, run several groups and activities with a focus on health and wellbeing.
The Highrise Project – based in Armley, The Highrise Project offers a range of inclusive and accessible social and wellbeing events, including group drawing, doodling, and digital arts classes.
The Swan Song Project – gives anyone facing end of life and those surrounding them the opportunity to write and record their own original song at no cost, working with a professional songwriter. Also offers free weekly online singing groups.
Art therapy
The Art Room @ Digital Lounge – The Art Room @ The Digital Lounge provides free adult art therapy groups and one-to-one sessions.
Art venues
East Street Arts – East Street Arts is a contemporary arts organisation based in Leeds.
Courses, classes and workshops
Craft2gether – free arts and crafts workshops at Woodhouse Community Centre, 197 Woodhouse Street, LS6 2NY, every Thursday at 1pm to 3pm. All materials provided and own projects welcome. For more information email craft2gether.ls6@gmail.com or call 07938 056 244
Feel Good Factor (Chapeltown and Harehills) – Feel Good Factor (FGF) is a charity based in Chapeltown which provides a range of community health and wellbeing groups and activities for people living in Chapeltown and Harehills.
Hello Workshops – Hello workshops is a sewing café which runs classes and workshops.
Keep Real – Keep Real supports mental wellbeing with live music events, workshops and podcasts to creatively support the community.
Leeds Craftivists – Leeds Craftivists run by Leeds Methodist Mission (LMM) offer craft events for all crafting abilities.
Leeds Wood Recycling – Leeds Wood Recycling offers woodworking courses to help people learn how to make things from the recycled wood they collect.
Northlight Arts Centre – based near Chapel Allerton, are a not-for-profit arts centre and gallery, empowering individuals of all ages to explore and express their creativity freely.
Oblong (Woodhouse) – Oblong is an arts and crafts group based at Woodhouse Community Centre that offers a free weekly arts and crafts group.
Stitch Up – Stitch Up runs craft workshops and classes as well as community projects.
Swarthmore Education Centre – Swarthmore Education Centre runs a range of courses online and onsite in a friendly, informal environment, from computer skills to art or craft classes, languages to yoga.
Creative networks
Arts & Minds Network (LAHWN) – The Arts and Minds Network (LAHWN) brings together people in Leeds who believe that creativity can promote mental wellbeing.
Arts Together– Arts Together is a growing network of arts and community partners who are working together to ensure that the arts in Leeds and beyond are as welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone.
Leeds Arts Health & Wellbeing Network – Leeds Arts Health & Wellbeing Network celebrates, supports and connects people interested in how arts and culture can have benefits for health, care and wellbeing.
Pyramid of Arts – Pyramid of Arts is a collective of artists in Leeds with and without learning difficulties.
Music groups and organisations
Cloth Cat Leeds – Cloth Cat Leeds is a charity based in inner-city Leeds that uses music training to help local people learn new skills.
Harmony Choir – Harmony Choir is a friendly, cross-community choir, based in Burmantofts, for anyone in Leeds.
Keep Real – Keep Real supports mental wellbeing with live music events, workshops and podcasts to creatively support the community.
Opera North has Wellbeing Singing videos available for free on their website. Anyone can access them to practise singing and breathing exercises to help them feel better and enhance their lung function, release anxiety and improve their general health and wellbeing. They also run Opera Connect, with online workshops helping people appreciate opera music from around the world. Find out more from their What’s On page. The workshops are low cost for people on limited incomes and are accessed online using Zoom. They also have a course to get Leeds singing! From Couch to Chorus runs online over three weeks and features a performance you can join in-person. It’s pay-as-you-feel and has different sessions for different voices and complete beginners are welcome.
Voices of Yorkshire choirs – friendly choirs running in West and North Yorkshire, encouraging people to sing for enjoyment and to improve their health and wellbeing.
Theatre groups
Fall into Place Community Theatre – Fall into Place Community Theatre provides accessible and supportive theatre workshops which are open to anyone in Leeds.
You can also search for creative wellbeing groups in the MindWell Directory.
Explore other wellbeing activity and peer support groups in Leeds
Outdoor groups and activities
There are also gardening and allotment groups around Leeds, which encourage people to get together to grow and nurture plants, develop their garden care skills, get some exercise and have a chat.
Explore outdoor activity groups
Peer support groups
Peer support brings together people with similar experiences so that they can help and support each other. Joining a support group can help you to develop effective ways of coping in a safe, friendly and supportive space.
Physical exercise groups and activities
If you’re looking to improve your mental health or wellbeing through exercise or moving more, you’ve come to right place. Explore the range of free or low-cost physical activity groups and activities available in your local community.
Explore physical activity groups
Regular wellbeing groups and activities
Take a step towards prioritising your mental wellbeing and explore the diverse range of wellbeing groups and activities available online or in your local community.