A new creative arts project to help bring people together and tackle loneliness is set to launch in the Autumn.

The 'Crafting Communities' project is being delivered by Staffordshire County Council's Libraries and Arts service with funding from Arts Council England.

The project will support local artists and makers to take up residence in libraries across the county to help create new connections with communities. These new creative hubs will allow people to take part in activities, in a safe space and explore ways to work together to make a difference within their local communities.

People will get the chance to get involved in crafting together for fun and to learn and share new skills.

Cllr Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries at Staffordshire County Council said: "Libraries have always used arts and crafts for social activities and we are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery to be able to build on this, reach out and explore new ways to get more people involved.

"The last 18 months and the Covid-19 pandemic have had a real impact on individuals and local communities. By bringing people together for creativity we can start to strengthen community wellbeing, recovery and encourage independence.

"Getting the funding is a real boost for the service and we're all looking forward to working with our local talented artists to get the activities up and running."

The project has been made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.