THE owner of a Highbridge art shop has set up an online community to help people who are struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus crisis.

Leila Brownig, owner of Create You started delivering art and craft packs to people in Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and the surrounding areas when lockdown began four weeks ago to help people to be creative and stay busy.

But in the last few weeks Leila said her team has been hearing from a number of people who say they are struggling with their mental health due to the lockdown and as a result set up two online community groups to help.

The groups, which run on Facebook, share weekly challenges and online tutorials to help people stay motivated during these difficult times and Leila said the groups are continuing to go from 'strength to strength.'

"We are well into lockdown now and I think that the struggles have really begun," Leila said.

"We are hearing from a lot of people who have said that they are struggling with a down turn in their mental wellbeing which is really no surprise as people start to feel isolated and the motivation is hard to find.

"However, we have found that our online groups are going from strength to strength as people recognise the benefits of creativity and how good it really is for us.

"Art and creativity has an incredible way of allowing us to escape while not having to go anywhere and more importantly anyone and everyone can do it.

"Even if you are just starting out in a new hobby or whether you have been doing it for years you don’t need to be great at it to enjoy the process and enjoy the benefits .

"We have set up a free and very welcoming online community with the sole purpose of sharing and enjoying everyone’s creative achievements. We have a huge range of people enjoying differing art and craft projects and everyone is willing to share as much knowledge as they can."

Leila said people of all ages have been getting involved and have been sharing their work through an online gallery on Facebook.

"From our youngest creatives to our older creatives we are all there sharing our work and motivating each other," Leila said.

"Remember we are always there to talk to when you are having a bad day .

"With weekly challenges and online tutorials we have plenty to keep your mind occupied so please do join in and post your work in our online gallery.

"As we always say “ all art is good art as long as you enjoy the process."

For more information or to join the groups search for Create You - Creative Community or Create You - Online Gallery on Facebook.