Artists Clubhouse is excited to announce the launch of The Anxious Explorers, a new year-long community project designed to gently support people in stepping outside their comfort zone, reconnecting with creativity, and building confidence one small step at a time. Supported by Public Health funding from Worcestershire County Council, this initiative invites local residents to take part in monthly creative outings and explorations throughout 2026.
At its heart, The Anxious Explorers Club is about encouraging people to try new things in a supportive, judgement-free community. The project blends creativity, wellbeing, and mild adventure; offering activities that nurture bravery in approachable, manageable ways. Each month introduces a fresh theme to explore, both mentally and physically, helping participants develop confidence, reduce anxiety, and embed creativity into their routine.
Fear of the unknown, of being judged, or of “getting it wrong” often holds people back from trying new experiences. Many of us return to familiar habits, comfortable routines, and safe spaces; even when they no longer bring joy. Anxious Explorers aims to gently shift that pattern by providing clear instructions, supportive guidance, and activities designed to make trying something new feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
Participants will be encouraged to explore creativity through play, connection, and curiosity; meeting like-minded people. Together, the group will work toward ending 2026 feeling braver, more open, and more connected than they started.
Artists Clubhouse invites anyone seeking more joy, confidence, and community to join the Anxious Explorers Club and take this uplifting journey into gentle creativity and self-discovery.
We’d love for you to join us. Let’s explore 2026 together
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2026 SESSIONS
January – Creativity for Joy; Creative journalling workshop at The Artery Studios; gather found items/photos/textures etc and then collage with them, encouraging creative journalling throughout the year.
February – Music & Film; Go to watch a film at the Cinema, connect with Worcester Film Festival’s Film Club.
March – Places; Gather together in a coffee shop/bar/restaurant.
April – Exhibition; Go along to an exhibition at a local gallery to look at art styles, talk about what we like and why.
May – Adventures; Visit a new town/place, working with Worcestershire Community Rail to support with local transport anxieties.
June – Workshops; Supported by local workshop providers, artists and crafters for example so that we can try something new.
July – Activities; A trip to take part in an activity such as axe throwing, escape room for example.
August – Personal Challenges; Encourage us to challenge ourselves to face a personal anxiety and offer support to do together or find the opportunity. This could be anything from using the bus to public speaking.
September – Outdoors; Link in with a local walking group, aiming to embrace the outdoors no matter the weather. Encouraging us to prepare and enable enjoyment even in the winter months.
October – Seasonal Celebrations; Encourage finding joy in the changing of the seasons, learning to lean in to celebrating and finding joy in differences. Perhaps we will go to a pumpkin patch or do some pumpkin carving.
November – Review & Planning; A workshop combining reviewing how the year has been so far with an element of vision boarding and planning for the year ahead to reach personal targets.
December – Social Event; we will come together to celebrate the year’s achievements at a seasonal social event.
Events are subject to change depending on group wants and availability.
Throughout this project, participants will be invited to provide feedback at various stages. Upon completion, we will collate your responses along with insights gathered from your journals and sketchbooks in order to report back to Worcestershire County Council, as required under the terms of our project funding.
Photography and video documentation will take place during sessions, and participants may also be invited to take part in interviews. If you would prefer not to have identifiable images of your face captured, please notify the project hosts in advance. Your wishes will be fully respected.