A WOMAN who found joy through creative activities after struggling with alcohol is now hoping to share her new-found passion with others.

Gail Sargerson, of Northwich, fell into the habit of using alcohol as an emotional crutch after she begin drinking as a teenager in Gateshead, in the era of ‘ladette culture’.

The 45-year-old continued into her late 30s, when she worked in the high pressure world of television, to the point where she was taking anti-depressants and managing her drinking so it wouldn't affect her professional life.

Eventually Gail quit drinking and within six months discovered the joy of creativity – something she used to help addicts when she became a recovery mentor.

Now, Gail is hoping to reach a wider audience and is setting up a new workshop using creative activities to help people, not solely addicts, with their wellbeing.

She said "About six months into becoming sober, I had an overwhelming urge to make something and get creative.

"I found something more rewarding and enjoyable than drinking. More importantly it’s something I use to this day to manage my mental health as depression and anxiety still flare up.

"When I was promoted to recovery mentor, I was able to combine my love for creativity and working in addiction.

"I was asked to devise and deliver a weekly creative expression session looking at different aspects of addiction, emotions and feelings.

"Week after week I could visibly see how relaxed and calm people felt on their faces as well as when they told me so.

"I felt for a long time that this is something that could help anyone – not just those in addiction."

Her four-week Create for Wellbeing group, which is open to everyone and split between daytime and evening sessions, begins on Monday, January 16, and runs from 11am to 1pm.

The evening sessions begin on Thursday, January 19, running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.,

Both sessions take place at Comberbach Memorial Hall, Northwich. There are just 10 places per group, and the course costs £65 for four weeks.

Gail added: “I’m hoping that people in Northwich, or even from further afield, will come along and find a different and fun way to de-stress, relax, and enhance overall wellbeing.

“It’s a lovely opportunity to have a space to explore and experiment with creativity just for its own sake.”

For more information, see Gail’s Instagram page @createforwellbeing, the Create For Wellbeing Facebook page, or email her at createforwellbeing@yahoo.com.