Ledbury Poetry House is opening up to provide a space for people to meet, get creative and improve their wellbeing.

Based in the Barrett Browning Institute, the Poetry House is now a Talk Community Hub - a network of safe spaces supported by Herefordshire Council.

The hubs connect people to local services and provide wellbeing information, as well as being a place to go for a friendly chat.

The Poetry House is opening every Thursday between 5pm and 7pm, with art workshops taking place every other week.

Chloe Garner, the director of Ledbury Poetry, said: “I personally think that playing with art and words is not just for children.

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“So the Poetry House Community Hub offers a space where every fortnight you can take part in relaxed and easy-going art and writing workshops.

“The first session we made collages inspired by our favourite places (real or imagined!) It was lovely to share some memories of treasured places, and it was also great to see people get into the ‘flow’, concentrating on cutting, ripping paper and sticking together their collages.

“We all agreed that you forget your worries for a while.”

In between the fortnightly workshops, participants are encouraged to bring along their own creative projects, whether that is a piece of embroidery, a poem to share, or just come along to relax with a cup of tea.

Where to find help and wellbeing information in Ledbury

There are now 67 Talk Community Hubs across Herefordshire, including a number in Ledbury.

Talk Community breakfast sessions take place every Wednesday from 9am to 12.30pm at Ledbury Rugby Club, and Ledbury Methodist Church in Bye Street runs a drop-in session, offering free tea and toast, each Monday from 9am to 12.30pm.

As well as providing food parcels for those in need, Ledbury Food Bank offers free breakfasts and information including benefits advice during its opening hours - 10am-12pm Wednesday and Fridays, and 6pm-8pm Thursdays.

READ MORE: Ledbury Rugby Club launches weekly community hub breakfast mornings

Parents of young children can take part in role play sessions and get support from experts at Ledbury Children’s Centre in Long Acres from 10am-12pm on Thursdays.

And there is free internet access, a laptop for use and plenty of information and help on hand at Ledbury Swimming Pool in Lawnside Road all week during its opening hours.