Liberate Art Club, a thriving creative initiative that aims to combat isolation and loneliness in the community, is the latest Guernsey charity to benefit from JT’s Community Giving Scheme.

Liberate will use the donation to purchase resources to make its art sessions as accessible and inclusive as possible as it fosters creativity and supports personal growth among its diverse and growing membership.

Participants, ranging from 18 to 82 years of age, come from various walks of life. The club’s mission is to ensure that no barriers stand in the way of artistic expression and creative camaraderie.

‘We offer these creative activities free of charge as we understand the financial challenges many of our attendees face due to factors like disability or single-parent status, so we rely on the generosity of local companies like JT, said Joni Nettleship, Liberate Art Club Co-Founder.

‘This donation will fund items like large knitting needles, tabletop easels, magnifying glasses and noise cancelling headphones which will help to make the sessions accessible and even more inclusive.’

The sessions cover various creative techniques, from painting, knitting, and drawing to watercolour painting, printing, and weaving. With a commitment to sustainability, Liberate Art Club implements eco-friendly practices by reusing and recycling materials, including drawing on cardboard and creating collages and wreaths from scrap papers, charity shop fabrics, and donated items.

JT Community Giving aims to help local projects and initiatives by offering them the opportunity to apply for funding, devices, subscriptions, technical support, or even hands-on help from JT’s many willing volunteers.

Kate Marshall, JT’s Head of Guernsey Enterprise said: ‘We applaud Liberate’s approach to connecting people through creativity. The art classes bring different people together from across the community for mutual support and it’s clear from how the class has grown that people enjoy the opportunity to express themselves through art.

‘JT is very supportive of any activity that takes an inclusive approach, and we’re delighted to see funding from our Community Giving Scheme go to such an accessible and also sustainable initiative.’