Art Teacher and Entrepreneur Heads Up ‘The Big Christmas Craft’ Seeing 500+ Children From Across West Yorkshire Creating Christmas Cards for Older People

Entrepreneurial Art Teacher and Founder of Calm Creations Club, Steph Nelson, 27, from Morley, has launched ‘The Big Christmas Craft’, a heartwarming initiative that brings together over 500 children from local primary schools and community groups across West Yorkshire, to design and create Christmas cards for older people in local care homes, spreading festive cheer and helping to combat social isolation during the festive season.

Recent statistics from Age UK, showed that 1.6 million older people find Christmas Day to be the hardest day of the year, highlighting just how difficult and lonely the festive period can be for older people in the UK.

Through ‘The Big Christmas Craft’, children will create heartfelt Christmas cards for local residents in care homes, spreading festive cheer to those who need it most. Over 500 children are taking part in this campaign, including children from; St John’s Primary School in Wakefield, Co-op Academy Beckfield in Bradford and Alder Tree Primary in Leeds, and also a number of children who attend community workshops at The Little Hub in Alverthorpe, Wakefield.

Each child will design a unique, handmade card with a message of kindness and warmth, which Steph and a group of volunteers will then deliver directly to nearby care homes in the run up to the big day.

Steph said; “I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to bring people together and brighten any day, so in the spirit of giving back, this Christmas I really wanted to use that power to try and play a small part in helping to combat any loneliness and isolation that many older people experience, particularly during the festive season. I really hope that ‘The Big Christmas Craft’ campaign spreads some joy and reminds the local recipient that they are not forgotten. By involving local children in creating these personalised Christmas cards, we’re not just making art – we’re building connections and showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”

Maxine McGougan, from Co-op Academy Beckfield said; “We are a community school and we love to go out and visit people, to bring a little cheer and a smile. This is an extra special thing to do at Christmastime, when often people can feel lonely and isolated.”

Nathaniel’s mum; “I chose to bring Nathaniel to the art session as he loves crafting. It’s also really important to me that he grows up considerate and understanding of other people. I wanted to teach him that not everyone is as fortunate as he is. By making Christmas cards for older people in care homes, he can start to understand the value of spreading kindness and warmth to those who may feel lonely at Christmas.”

Steph, who is a part-time secondary school supply art teacher, working in schools across West Yorkshire, founded the Calm Creations Club, earlier this year – a new creative events company designed to highlight the power of creative arts and promote relaxation and social connection. Since launching in April 2024, Calm Creations Club has hosted over 40 workshops for both children and adults, plus various events across West Yorkshire, including online mindfulness sessions as well as in-person painting and craft classes. This year, Calm Creations Club has been honoured to work with charities such as; St Gemmas Hospice, West Yorkshire ADHD support and has raised over £180 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Steph continues; “My love of creativity came from being that girl that got endless craft kits for my birthdays and at Christmas – my room was full of paints and pencils… I just loved to create. At secondary school, I spent every break and lunchtime in the art room – I was completely absorbed, so it was no surprise after my creative degree in fashion, that I then went on to train to become a teacher. However, deep down I always wanted to create my own career too – and, I couldn’t be more grateful of how successful the Calm Creations Club has been since I launched it earlier this year. And, I am already looking forward to what we have planned for next year, including; launching our new celebration packages bringing some creative fun to your special occasion and also introducing our new corporate wellbeing packages to support positive mental wellbeing through creativity and mindfulness.”

In addition to ‘The Big Christmas Craft’, Steph is offering a free downloadable Christmas Activity Pack for Families on her website – this resource includes fun, creative activities for families to enjoy together during the festive season – Steph said; “I love that creativity has a unique way of bringing families closer, providing opportunities for shared experiences that foster connection, laughter and collaboration, making the festive season even more meaningful.” This free resource is available on the Calm Creations Club website.