Craft business leader and Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies MBE will be sharing her crafting expertise to guest host a one-off special virtual Crafternoon, to help raise vital funds for Mind, the mental health charity, it was announced this week.

At a time when the nation is spending a lot of time at home, Mind has taken the nation’s craftiest fundraiser online, and on Friday 15th May at 4pm, Sara will be hosting a fun and relaxing hour-long craft session live on her Facebook page where viewers can do something creative and take time for themselves, whilst helping raise funds for better mental health.

Sara said: “It’s more important now than ever to talk about mental health and the work that Mind is doing to promote positive wellbeing and mental health is crucial.

“People are looking for new ways to escape what’s happening in the outside world and relax, even if it’s just for half an hour, and crafting is the perfect way to do that.

Mind’s Crafternoons are the perfect way to introduce people to this engaging community – it’s going to be really fun!”

Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind, said: “We are very pleased that Sara Davies is joining us to guest host our virtual Crafternoon on Friday 15th May. As the impact of the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, the effects on the mental health of the nation are unquestionable and it’s more important than ever that we take steps to look after our wellbeing.

“Virtual Crafternoon is a great way to support our wellbeing during this uncertain time. It’s an hour to do something fun, creative and relaxing, whilst helping to fundraise for Mind’s vital support services. It’s free to take part, but every donation we receive from virtual Crafternoon will help us ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.”

In the session crafting beginners and enthusiasts alike can join Sara in making origami flowers, using simply some glue, a pair of hands and upcycling paper found around the home.

Speaking about her own mental health since lockdown, Sara said: “This is a worrying time for everyone and for me, it’s really hard not being able to see family and friends on a regular basis, so I’m really thankful that modern technology helps us to stay in touch!

“Something I have been grateful for throughout this time is quality time with the family. Spending time with my two boys, whether we’ve baking together, home-schooling or crafting, has been a welcome distraction and has helped to keep my spirits up.

She concluded: “I’m thrilled that Mind have asked me to be a part of their Crafternoon, especially as it combines two things I absolutely love, crafting and having a good old chat!”

For more information on joining the session, and for daily inspiration on craft ideas to make with the family during lockdown, follow Sara on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @saradaviescc, or check in at www.mind.org.uk/virtualcrafternoon for updates on all the latest in their series of Virtual Crafternoons.

Just £8 could allow Mind to answer one call to their Infoline. When experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change lives. Last year, Mind’s Infoline responded to over 100,000 calls. To donate to Mind visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/virtualcrafternooon