As we move into the second quarter of the 21^st Century, well-being and self-care have become important societal preoccupations. There has been a huge rise in levels of anxiety and poor mental health, and NHS waiting lists are increasingly hitting the headlines.

The All-Party Creative Health Review (2023) acknowledges the value of creative work, arguing that these activities are fundamental to our health and well-being. The report also provides evidence that engaging with creativity and culture improves mental health and well-being.

My first quilt exploring health was in 2009, Respect and Protect, raising awareness in the community of the Aids virus. Working with partner organisations including the construction industry and English learners has been the mainstay of my recent projects and it has been rewarding witnessing both the richness and unexpected benefits in sharing and collaborating with these different groups.

Posts about my work in health & well-being

Update from 2022-23August 1, 2023
In 2022-2023, my work focused on how textiles connect, document, and empower communities. Alongside creating new pieces, I co-authored Crafting with a Purpose with Professor Fiona Hackney, exploring community workshops and well-being. I presented at conferences in Ghent and India, sharing research on mental health, construction, and ethical stitching practices.
Safety NetAugust 1, 2023
Dr. Lynn Setterington, a Manchester-based textile artist, launches Safety Net, a project raising mental health awareness in the construction industry. Featuring large-scale banners in Manchester and Salford, the installation, created with young people from 42 Street and Manchester School of Art students, highlights the sector’s mental health crisis, urging reflection and action.
The Global QuiltNovember 6, 2021
Global Connections is a repurposed quilt created for the British Textile Biennial, exhibited at the Whitaker Gallery in Rawtenstall (Oct-Nov 2021). Made from over 1200 fabric circles, the quilt incorporates materials from 20 countries, crafted with local community groups in Rossendale and Manchester. It celebrates the global connectivity of cloth.

Health & well-being

As we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century, well-being and self-care have become important societal preoccupations. There has been a huge rise in levels of anxiety and poor mental health, and NHS waiting lists are increasingly hitting the headlines.

As we move into the second quarter of the 21^st Century, well-being and self-care have become important societal preoccupations. There has been a huge rise in levels of anxiety and poor mental health, and NHS waiting lists are increasingly hitting the headlines.