A WEEKLY art group is helping adults from Dumbarton and the Vale to form connections through creative activities.

Held on Friday between 11.30am and 1pm, Clifftop Projects’ adult creative group has been running since January. The group is funded by the National Lottery and is open to anyone aged 16 and over.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: John McMahonJohn McMahon (Image: Newsquest)

Participants have previously enjoyed classes on screen printing, embroidery, and poetry writitng. 

Lottie Barker, artistic director at Clifftop Projects, said: “It started off with two or three people each week, and its now grown to a regular group of 12 people who come along every week. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Mel HanveyMel Hanvey (Image: Newsquest)

“Some of them attend with their mums, and occasionally with their grandparents, so we’ve got a three-generation kind of thing happening. As an adult, it can be really hard to find ways to connect with other people, so for me this feels like a really nice way of creating friendships and connecting through something creative.”

One member of the group said: “Usually these things are aimed at kids - and whilst this is great and important too - I think it is important to recognise that adults well-being and mental health is equally important.”

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Kaya Fraser and Allison McNabb-RossKaya Fraser and Allison McNabb-Ross (Image: Newsquest)

Another added: “This group is helping me more than I’ve realised.”

The group meets at The Phoenix Community Centre on Quarry Knowe every week during term time, with no booking necessary.