NEW Creative Writing Workshop at Chirpy

We’re delighted to launch our NEW Creative Writing six-week course, Well-Written, starting in September.

Working with local author, Jessica Austin, this is the perfect opportunity to offer our Chirpy customers an opportunity to explore their creativity, whether you’re completely new to writing or returning after time away.

Well-Written offers a supportive space to explore your creativity at your own pace. Blending mindful reflection with practical writing techniques, this six-week course will help you develop a sustainable writing practice while working towards a short story you feel proud of.

What you’ll gain

By the end of the course, you will:

• Have written and refined a complete short story

• Feel more confident expressing yourself through writing

• Develop tools and techniques to support your creativity

• Build a writing practice you can continue beyond the course

• Be part of a warm, supportive creative community

Sessions include guided exercises, discussion, and optional sharing. There is no pressure to share your work. Everything is invitational and supportive, with feedback focused on curiosity rather than critique.

You’ll also receive light between-session prompts to help you keep writing in your own time.

The six-week course runs on Tuesday September 8th / 15th / 22nd / 29th & October 6th & 13th

Sign up before 15th June for our EARLYBIRD offer of £108 for the six-week course

Or why not join us on Tuesday 9th June for a Taster session to introduce you to the course.

Limited tickets are only £5 which include a glass of fizz (plus tea, coffee or soft drink) and light snacks

Book Taster session HERE

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Welcoming Spring to Chirpy

How is it April already?

It seems a while since I wrote a quarterly blog, so thought it was time to reflect on the last 3 months as we seem to finally being jumping into Spring. 

I have to admit, January got off to a strange start, I definitely seemed to have left my Chirpy mojo in 2025. Not sure why, but I just didn’t seem to have much focus so had to embrace the season of ‘wintering’ and take it all very slowly while putting on a Chirpy smile in the shop. Despite me being a little overwhelmed by 2026, it got off to a good start in Chirpy, helped by a sale to clear some stock ready for a spring refresh with some great new stock arriving too, Lots of customers picked up some great bargains and January ended up being a good month.

I shook off my January blues in time for a busy February. I love supporting other local businesses and organisations and was delighted to welcome a new weekly networking group to Chirpy to help them get off the ground (just glad I didn’t need to be there for the 6:30am starts!) They’ve moved to a bigger venue now but was great to be part of their launch.

I went back to school in February, as part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, presenting at a local primary school assembly  and working with children in year 2, for their Wellbeing Week. The children made postcards to give out into the local community and were inspired by the generous donations of cards from lots of my independent card suppliers.  Hopefully the next generation will be buying cards in the future to help keep the industry alive.

Our first workshop of the year took place in February, welcoming back Cherry Tree Glass with her ever popular Fused Glass Workshops. It was great to see creativity taking place again in our brilliant upstairs workshop space and we’re delighted at how this year’s workshop programme has been received, with lots of new workshops being added and lots of people booked onto them. Check out what we’ve got coming up HERE

Lot’s of you were spreading the Chirpy love for Valentine’s day this year with more cards being sold than ever. No sooner had the Valentine’s cards been put away (or the few we had left) then we stocked our shelves with Mother’s Day cards. Mother’s Day moves every year, linked to when Easter falls and usually dictates the month of March for sales. Falling early, as it did this year, meant we got off to a brilliant start to March, with mums in Chapel Allerton definitely being spoilt this year. I love the thought that so many mums opened a lovely card & gift from Chirpy with their breakfast in bed!

From the high of Mother’s day weekend to the low of the rest of March! Great time to catch up on a lot of admin when the shop is quiet including taking part in Retail Roar, an annual online conference with some inspiring guest speakers including Mary Portas. It’s great to get different perspectives from other people in retail.

To boost our online Sales we offered a little tiered discount (check out the banner at the top of our website) which we’ve extended until midnight Easter Monday so why not take advantage of it and shop & save HERE. We’re also taking PREORDERS for our best selling Brick Vases so you could save on those too.

We’ve also kept busy with lots of workshops, including a great new Embroidery Workshop and Lino Workshop, both which sold out very quickly. We welcomed back some popular Calligraphy, Jesmonite and Fused Glass workshops too.

Upstairs we also hosted Tessa Houghton’s new ‘Land, Sea & Sky’ exhibition and held a charity coffee morning, raising over £330 for Coppafeel! & hosted George & Joseph’s Cheese Academy!

I also even managed a long weekend in Budapest, a delayed Christmas present with my husband, which was just what I needed. And the last day of the quarter was spent in London with my daughter, another Christmas present seeing Romeo & Juliet which was amazing.

There’s been quite a lot of changes going on in Chapel Allerton and we said goodbye to some brilliant businesses including the infamous Sunshine Bakery and our wonderful neighbours The Glasshouse Gallery.

And we finally got a new shop sign! So if you’re walking past and have ever wondered what’s upstairs, then perhaps now is the time to find out!

Hope to see you soon in Chirpy

Jo x

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Focus on ... The Curious Pancake

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Claire Senior, otherwise known as The Curious Pancake.

Here’s a little interview we did with Claire to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m a woman in almost the last year of her forties, and I founded The Curious Pancake, my online store selling cards, stationery, and silly things, in 2011. I was born in Pontefract, home of liquorice and rhubarb, but I’ve lived most of my adult life in Nottingham, and, whilst my state of mind is very much A Northerner, I feel just as much a Nottingham-er too (I nearly said Midlander, but it doesn’t sound quite so mysterious).

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

 I studied art for many years, and I have always been creative. I graduated Loughborough Uni with a first class degree in illustration. There aren’t that many times you can say that sentence without sounding like a big-headed tit, and I’m not even sure I’ve got away with it now, although I suspect you will forgive me because the rest of my story is fraught with mediocrity. After graduation I worked part time in so many greeting card shops, that it felt like a natural progression to begin creating cards. I’d worked in a couple of ‘budget’ card shops, and it made me think that people deserved a better choice, and a wry and drier kind of humorous card. I started my online shop, The Curious Pancake, in 2011, but I didn’t have enough self-belief to do my own designs straight away, so I stocked my shop with lots of cards by other creatives. The focus for the curated range of cards at Pancake was always on illustration first, with a heavy leaning towards humour, swearing and random cuteness! When my mum died in 2017, it was kind of the wake up I needed to ask myself what I was doing, creatively, and why hadn’t I really gone for it with my own designs. I decided to quit my part time graphic design/marketing job (I still miss that regular income and holiday pay) and I finally started creating my own cards. I really wish I’d started doing that from the beginning, but I guess it’s no bad thing that my journey has been on the scenic side!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 I wake up anywhere between 6-9am, make a ‘posh’ coffee (posh in this case means a cafetière coffee with cream) for me and my other half, Ben. We watch a bit of news and swear. I do the Wordle. Ben always gives me a new prompt word every day to start. If zero letters are correct from his prompt word we call it a “Benji Classic”. At some point one of us will say ‘right, better go start work’ – it’s usually me, because I feel guilty for earning so little. I pick and pack all my customer orders that have come in since yesterday afternoon, which could number anything from 7 to 40, depending on the time of year. The late morning and early afternoon is often taken up with admin tedium. Anything from listing new items on Faire, or my website, or Etsy, to answering customers, paying invoices, deleting SEO spam emails. I do a post office run around 2pm (I walk there, it’s just a mile round trip, and my only regular exercise!), I mope around Tesco wondering what to get for tea that’s both healthy and tasty. I usually end up buying broccoli and fish. I come home and realise it’s too late to start anything creative. I eat my tea usually in front of Pointless or House of Games. We both agree to re-convene to watch a show around half eight. 7-8pm is creating time. I look at my greeting card ideas (I have several Google Keep files that I jot random musings down on), these are often unhinged sentences like “Happy Birthday from a non-trending cryptid” or “chicken cucumber what a kerfuffle” the origins of why I wrote that last sentence is now lost to the mists of time. Many times, I realise nothing is inspiring me and I go onto Instagram to see everyone I know doing lots better than me. I’ll often bookmark exercise routines or creative workshops I see on Insta, never to revisit them again. I play with the cats, watch TV, go to bed and read 1.5 pages of my book. I stick the Calm app on. My favourite sleep story is Journey to the Stars read by LeVar Burton. If I’m lucky, I’ll only wake 6 times before morning.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Personally and business wise I often think it’s that I’ve just kept going, and refused to go back to the “real world” of admin (despite my creative world now consisting of 80% tedious admin!). Working for yourself is a crazy thing to do, and when you see it on paper in black and white, next to those sobering, often depressingly small figures, it seems even more bonkers. And yet I genuinely love what I do, and I’m determined that one day it might even make financial sense. I guess one of my biggest business achievements came during lockdown. When the world, en masse, turned to online businesses to help them stay in touch with people. My sales went from 10-20 a day, to 200 a day. It was crazy times, because I was doing it all on my own. I made my first ever £10k month in April of 2020. And it didn’t really let up for the next 12 months. The plus side of this was that I was able to afford a new website, and I also turned our long, much under-used, home lounge into Pancake HQ. We still have a lounge, we just got rid of our dining room and created a ‘snug’ instead. I’ve always wanted a ‘snug’ since hearing about them on Grand Designs. They’re easier to heat, I’ll give you that.

Where can we find your cards?

 All online in my shop The Curious Pancake, and on Faire for retailers, and in an increasing number of highly discerning indie shops from as far north as Glasgow to as far south as Weymouth.

 Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My favourite card, so far, is one I designed at the start of this year for Valentine’s Day. It shows two people on a beach and one’s saying to the other “You’re my rock!” whilst holding out their hand with a rock-looking item on. The second person answers “Umm, that’s a poo” – it did quite well with my customers. It was my first design that I created entirely out of collaged magazines, and it’s rekindled my love for collage. It also felt good to create something that didn’t have any swearing on it (sometimes, in life, and in my designs, I find it really hard not to swear), but it was still nicely childish (poo!) and appealed to my un-developed sense of humour.

My most popular design, in contrast (actually, there’s not that much contrast because we’re still talking about poo) is a sweary card, entitled “Everyone’s Shit Except You.” I don’t mind if you wanna **** that mini swear out 😊 This card did very well on Etsy a year or so ago, and I sold 600 in the run up to Valentine’s. It’s also, historically, done well with my stockists and on my website, because swearing is funny and people are basic. I’m joking… slightly. I do sometimes feel a bit shameful that my most commercially successful card is so sweary and lacking in any real creative talent. But hey, that’s popularity for you 😉

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Not really. I don’t really follow trends because as soon as I see something once, and then 20 other cards have the same thing, I just shut off to it. I do get bored seeing the same tired old puns, the same Highland cows, the same tropes about Dads being useless or Mums being overworked or just having pink cards with flowers on for Mum. I kinda wish there was more emphasis on originality. Having said that, you do see some retailers buy the same designs year after year, and if the old stuff is selling then I guess there’s no impetus to change your offering. I do think there’s TONS of talented folk out there, I’d just like to see a better rotation of designs in some of the bigger shops sometimes – something a little unusual and different, I think customers can handle it!!

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 Because receiving something physical in the post, especially a handwritten card, is still utterly magical and keeps us connected. We need to preserve our analogue world, and sending a card is still (even with the rising cost of stamps!) the most cost effective way of sending a hug in the post.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Not having to wake up at a set time and having my cats around me all the time. Oh yeah, and the sense of enormous satisfaction you get from being able to say to yourself that you’re ‘paying the bills’ on the back of your own creativity. I put ‘paying the bills’ in inverted commas because my money only really pays for the food, and cats. But still, it’s good. Even the shit bits are good, comparatively 😊

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

 Are you crazy? Never try to monetise your hobby unless you want to loathe something that once gave you joy and immense satisfaction.

Plans for the future?

I’m off to the post office, then Tesco to get some fish and broccoli.

 I think you’ll agree this is the most entertaining “focus on …’ interview we’ve ever done. Check out Claire’s instagram to see what she gets up to (& if she really does just eat fish & broccoli for tea!)

Focus on ... Bigfatbambini

This month’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Charles Bailey of Big Fat Bambini.

Here’s a little interview we did with Charles to find out a little more about him.

I’m Charles Bailey, illustrator and founder of Bigfatbambini. I create playful prints and greeting cards inspired by nature and the little moments of everyday life, with the aim of making people smile, laugh, or feel seen through my designs.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

After studying illustration in London, I moved back to my countryside roots in Somerset, which really rekindled my love for nature. Those influences naturally started appearing in my work, and greeting cards felt like the perfect way to share the designs with people. Once I saw how much people connected with them, it quickly snowballed into something and I’ve never looked back.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

My days are usually quite busy because I work from home with a one-year-old in the house. I tend to fit my work into the quieter moments of the day, whether that be designing new pieces or packing orders. Then in the evening, I like to switch off by heading out for a walk with my dog and spending some time outdoors with my family.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement so far would have to be my solo exhibition in Bangkok called Rhythm of Rain, which debuted in 2024. Alongside running my paper goods business, I still take on commissions and continue developing my personal practice. This exhibition gave me the chance to create work that felt really close to my heart. Seeing it all come to life in Bangkok was an incredible and slightly surreal experience.

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards dotted about in cool indie shops across the country and on my website bigfatbambini.co.uk. 

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

My favourite card, and probably the most popular one, is the Happy Caterpillar Birthday card. It’s fun, a bit silly, and I think that playful humour really resonates with people.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’ve noticed a lot of greeting cards moving away from purely digital designs towards more handmade, tactile styles. That might partly be a response to AI, but it’s really nice to see traditional mediums making a comeback. Personally, I love starting all my designs with pencil and paper, then using Photoshop to add colour digitally.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think as a country we’ll always have a place for sending cards. It’s such a simple way to show you care, and it adds a personal touch that you don’t quite get from a message or email.

Best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about it is that I get to do what I love while working around my busy family life. I feel really lucky to be at home while my son is growing up, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Don’t wait - just start. I spent a long time waiting until I felt ready, but the truth is you’re never completely ready. You figure things out as you go, and things are always evolving, so the best thing you can do is begin.

You can pick up one of Charles’ favourite Caterpillar card in Chirpy now.

6 of the best Creative Workshops at Chirpy this Spring

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

Our Chirpy Workshop programme has got off to a busy start for 2026 and shows no sign of slowing down over the next few months.

Our workshops make great gifts for a crafty friend, a brilliant way to spend an evening crafting together or why not treat yourself to learn a new skill for 2026.

Here’s 6 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Spring…

1. Jesmonite Coaster Workshop

Thursday 23rd April 7-9pm Book here

In this workshop you'll make 2 trinket trays perfect to use for your jewellery or as coasters. Choose from different shapes you'll make a base colour for your trays and add a mix of coloured shards to give a multi coloured terrazzo finish.

2. Gelli Printing Workshop

Tuesday 28th April 7-9pm Book Here

Join us for a relaxed and inspiring Gelli Print Workshop where you’ll explore the fun and addictive art of gel plate printing.

Using simple tools, vibrant paints, textures, and plants, you’ll learn how to layer colours and patterns to produce unique prints on paper.

3. Mini Abstract Art Workshop

Thursday 30th April 7-9pm Book Here

Join local artist Victoria Hough on a Mini Abstract Workshop. Learn the process of creating abstract paintings using acrylics and layering effects choosing your own colour palette, painting layers and adding gold leaf accents if desired.

You’ll then find compositions within the larger paintings and cut out to create two mini abstracts which will be mounted to take home.

4.Fused Glass Wave Workshop

Thursday 14th May 7-8:30pm book here

Join Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker, for a fun and creative event where you can create your very own fused glass wave using shaped glass pieces.

Made by applying  frit and modelled glass pieces to a fused glass wave which on completion will be taken away and fired and returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

5 . The Art of Lino Cutting & Printing Workshop

Tuesday 19th May 7-9pm book here

Join Emma and Lynn of The North Leeds Print Collective for a hands-on introduction to linocut printing. With over 20 years of combined teaching experience, they will guide you through the process of turning your ideas into striking pieces of art.

6. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7 - 9:15pm book here

Even if you haven’t touched a pencil since primary school, with step-by-step guidance of professional local artist Joyce Buzeman of BuzemanArt, you will create your very own master piece. Also when you are more experienced, we assure you will go away with new paint tips and paint ideas.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

Focus on ... Jade Fisher

This month’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Jade Fisher.

Here’s a little interview we did with Jade to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I have been designing our greeting cards for over 10 years. I built the business with help from my childhood best friend, my mum and my brother, and all the other family members and friends who have pitched in in some way or another along the way! Our aim is to spread paper positive vibes as far and wide as possible.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I always used to make cards for my family and friends because I couldn’t find the specific kind of things I wanted to say to them on any cards in the shops! And I knew I wanted to work for myself and I was doing bits and bobs of other art/illustration work, so it just evolved from there.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I really like to be on my feet during the day, so I am mostly picking and packing orders, starting with our website orders in the morning and trade orders afterwards, with too much coffee and a lunch time walk if I can fit it in. I work between the school run, and then I find I focus best on admin and emails in the evening time.

When I’m designing new stuff is obviously my favourite - I completely shut myself away with lovely music or background tv, coffee, snacks and paint.

 Biggest achievement to date?

I think just surviving 10 years of self employment, the last 5 of them as a single mum! I feel unbelievably lucky that I could keep my business going (and growing) amidst the absolute chaos of early motherhood.

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy, now!

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My current favourite is a new one that says, ‘You Lovely Soul.’ One of our all time best sellers is the one that says, ‘I Love You To The Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea.’

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I honestly would have no idea. I do tend to stick to what I like, and design what I want to put out into the world without really knowing much else about what’s going on.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I do feel sad about how un-human we seem to be becoming sometimes. Reading a screen just does nothing compared to feeling paper in your hands, seeing a person’s handwriting… The whole act of someone choosing a card, sitting down to write something that feels important enough to be written rather than typed, going to a post box, waiting for that card to arrive on someone else’s doorstep. It’s nostalgic and romantic and the loveliest form of connection I can think of. Also, the art! There are so many gorgeous greeting cards out there, and to gift someone a little piece of art is so much more meaningful and impactful than a digital message.

Best thing about running your own business?

Having been doing it for quite a while, the best thing now is that I have the confidence to trust my gut, to trust that I know what the best next move is.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Don’t really look around yourself too much. Stay in your lane, make stuff that you love and be completely genuine.

Plans for the future?

Honestly, hopefully just this forever!

 Check out Jade’s Instagram HERE

We’re sure Jade’s cards are going to be to popular in Chirpy so why not pop in and buy one.

5 of the best Mother’s Day gifts in Chirpy

Rosie Made a Thing 5 Star China Mug

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 15th March, we thought we’d choose our favourite 5 gifts ideas available at Chirpy in store and online for that special lady.

From gorgeous homewares, bath & beauty products and fabulous accessories, we’re sure that you’ll love what we’ve got in store at the moment at Chirpy.

Seen something you think will be the perfect present for the mum, stepmum, carer, or just a lady you want to say Thank You to then pop in store or add it to your basket online.

Order by Monday 9th March and use the code MUM2026 to get FREE SHIPPING

Here’s what we’ve picked for you …

1. 5 Star Mum mug

Make mum’s day with a cup of tea in bed on Mother’s Day - served perfectly in the bone china mug.

Supplied in a spotty box - perfect for gifting

Add to your basket HERE

2. Colour Block Cotton Cushion

For the colour enthusiast, these block colour cushion covers are a great way to add, enhance or create colour in your home.

Made from 100% cotton, each cushion is finished with a scalloped edging in a different colour; making for some striking colour combinations.

Add to your basket HERE

3. Grow Bars

For the garden (or window box) enthusiast.

Cleverly curated seed collection nestled in neat, fertile coir bards, ready to grow! Choose from a variety of different bars, including Butterfly, Bee & Gin

The perfect letterbox gift! Just add water!!

Add to basket HERE

4. Ceramic Soy Candle

Featuring vibrant hues and inviting patterns each 8oz/226g ceramic vessel is meticulously hand-painted with individual brushstrokes for an artisan feel.

Choose from five expressive illustrations, each one including a matching hand drawn dust cover and adventurous fragrance.

Add to basket HERE

5. Colour Pop Paper Vase

The honeycomb paper vase, set to be the talking point of the table, containing a glass vial with a pastel honeycomb casing that’s held together by a magnetic closure.

Simply pop the glass vial into the vase, add water and fill with flowers.

Available in 2 colours : Lilac/ Green & Yellow/Orange

Add to basket HERE

As always, at Chirpy we aim to bring you great, affordable gifts for all occasions and Mother’s Day is no exception. From local products to small brands we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Shop MOTHER’S DAY HERE

And what’s more, by shopping local you’re supporting the local economy, and keeping the high street thriving.

See you soon in Chirpy x

Chirpy Jo treks (again!) to raising money for Coppafeel!

On 9th May, Jo the owner of Chirpy, will be lacing up her walking boots again to raise money for Coppafeel! the breast cancer charity aimed at raising awareness amongst young people.

This year she’ll be walking a marathon 26 miles in one day in the beautiful Peak District along with 100 other trekkers.

Last year you helped her raise over £5k when she trekked for a week on the (very rainy!) Isle of Skye.

The target this year is much small but every little helps.

If you are able to spare a few ££s or pennies then please donate to her Justgiving page HERE

Chirpy will also be hosting a Charity Coffee Morning on Sunday 22nd March from 11am

Supported by local coffee shops and bakers, grab a ticket HERE to join us and help us raise money

Thank you for all of your support - it means the world!

Welcoming Tessa Houghton's New Exhibition 'Land, Sea & Sky'

We’re delighted to welcome back international artist Tessa Houghton to Chirpy with her new exhibition ‘Land, Sea & Sky’

Tessa’s exhibition with run between Thursday 12th March and Saturday 28th March.

She’ll be at Chirpy for a ‘Meet the Artist’ on Saturday 14th March from 12pm. Come along to chat to Tessa to find out her inspiration for her new body of work and a free informal drinks reception - all welcome.

Tessa’s exhibition with run until Saturday 28th May.

Born in Lancashire in 1976, Tessa Houghton celebrates the beauty of natural landscapes, capturing the atmosphere and drama of the elements through expressive mark-making and layers of oil paint and texture. Her new collection explores the elemental spaces of land, water, and sky, evoking light, movement, and emotion.

 The paintings hover between abstraction and figuration, inviting viewers to experience their own interpretations and connections.

Her work has been exhibited and collected extensively across the UK and internationally, including Barcelona, New York, Texas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Artist Statement

"I am captivated by landscapes that stir memory and emotion, places that have shaped my own journey. From the tangled canal banks of my childhood to the vast solitude of the North Yorkshire moors and coastline, I explore the liminal spaces where land, water, and sky meet. Through light, texture, and expressive gesture, I explore the atmosphere, memory, and emotion of the landscape. I hope my work sparks a sense of possibility and invites the viewer into a space of reflection and wonder."

Chirpy goes back to school!

Jo McBeath has thoroughly enjoyed going back to school as the owner of indie retailer Chirpy was able to pass on her passion for greeting cards.

As part of the GCA’s Card Club initiative to get youngsters involved in sending and receiving greetings Jo joined up with St Matthew’s Church Of England Primary School in the same community as her Chapel Allerton shop for a wellbeing assembly

The school decided to combine a focus on mental health with the “simple but powerful act of sending postcards within our local community”, she explained. with pupils exploring how cards can be used to spread kindness, encouragement, and positive messages.

It was all part of last week’s Children’s Mental Health Week, organised by the Place2Be charity, and the school’s Georgia Stansfield said: “It was a heart-warming project that brings together wellbeing, creativity, and community connection.

“Drawing inspiration from a range of designs by Chirpy and their suppliers, the children studied different styles, colours, and messages before creating their own unique postcard designs. Using these ideas as a starting point, pupils developed their creativity while thinking carefully about how their words and artwork could make others feel valued and connected.

“The project not only encouraged artistic expression but also helped children reflect on empathy, communication, and the importance of reaching out to others.

“By sharing their handmade postcards within the community, pupils experienced first-hand how small gestures can have a meaningful impact on wellbeing.”

And Jo said the initiative has shown how creative projects can play a vital role in supporting children’s mental health while strengthening ties within the wider community, with the whole school getting involved throughout the week.

“It was great to come along,” Jo said, “I loved every minute, I had a wonderful morning and it was great to see the children so excited about making their postcards.”

Read the article in PG Buzz HERE