Cultural experiences enhance our quality of life and improve our mental and physical health.

The Amelia Scott believes culture has the power to change lives though its vision of ‘enriching lives and inspiring learning’.

Over the years we have partnered with a number of community groups and charitable organisations to support a range of people’s needs. Cultural experiences can help improve health and wellbeing and can result in benefits that range from the physiological to the emotional.

Take a look below to find out more about our current projects and to get involved.

Naturally Creative: Fortnightly gardening and craft group for everyone

Are you looking for a way to connect with like-minded people and make a positive impact on the environment?

Join us for our new group, meeting at the Amelia Scott. Our meetings will take place fortnightly from 11:00 to 13:30, and we will alternate between gardening activities in our courtyard and green-themed craft activities. Our meetings are social and informal, providing a relaxed environment for you to meet new people and share your passion for your environment.

Whether you have a seasoned green finger or just starting your journey, our group is the perfect place to learn, share, and grow. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

IT Buddy Sessions

Discover the world of digital possibilities with the help of our friendly volunteers! Whether you're a beginner or just need a quick assist, we've got you covered.

Here's how we can help:

• Going Digital: Need assistance getting online? We're here to guide you.
• Troubleshoot With Ease: Face any basic tech issues? Let us help you solve them.
• Master Library Apps: Learn to navigate popular apps like Libby, Borrow Box, Press Reader, and ULibrary with confidence.
• Dive Into Online Resources: Uncover valuable insights with resources such as Which?, Ancestry, Find My Past, and the British Newspaper Archive.
• Print & Copy Assistance: Using our photocopy and printing facilities has never been easier. Let us guide you through it.

Come by and let us make your digital journey smoother and more enjoyable. Volunteers will be available on Mondays 11am - 1pm and Tuesdays 10am - 12pm.

Please book you slot by popping in and speaking to a staff member or emailing info@theamelia.co.uk

Our Own Exhibition

Ever wondered how museum exhibitions are curated?

Our FREE 12-week course, designed for those over 55 or with long-term health conditions, offers hands-on experience, exclusive behind-the scenes tours, and expert insights. Learn the art of curating at The Amelia Scott.

Next course begins on 7 February and is FREE to enroll .
To book on please contact our Wellbeing Projects Officer at daniel.huckfield@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or 01892 554146. Limited spaces available and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

The course runs from Wednesday 7^th February for 12 weeks – the sessions run from 10.30am - 12.00pm

Take Some Time: Courses for those who feel socially isolated

We run a group for people who feel socially isolated called ‘Take Some Time’. The sessions give you the chance to slow down and engage with objects from our collection. The sessions feature discussion and creativity based on a range of objects and also has lots of time for connecting with others.

The group is based on the mindful concept of Slow Looking, to find out more visit - https://www.tate.org.uk/art/guide-slow-looking

The sessions run for 10 weeks and if you would like to come along please contact our Wellbeing Projects Officer, Daniel Huckfield (daniel.huckfield@tunbridgewells.gov.uk) or 01892 554146 to find out more.

Curiosity Project: Monthly group for people living with Dementia and their Carers

The Curiosity Project is for people living with Dementia and their carers.The group runs once a month at the Amelia and offers participants the opportunity to handle objects from our collection, discuss these and to create art from their experience of those objects.For more details please contact our Wellbeing Projects Officer, Daniel Huckfield (daniel.huckfield@tunbridgewells.gov.uk) to find out more.

Creative History: 6 month course delivered in partnership with West Kent Mind. STARTING MONDAY 18^TH SEP

Creating History is an arts and crafts group with a difference!

Using objects from The Amelia collection, we will bring history to life and use what we learn as a starting point to create art in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment.

From Dinosaur bones to contemporary objects, history will be where we start, but where we go will be up to your imagination!

Creating History will be led by Daniel Huckfield, Wellbeing Projects Officer at The Amelia and local abstract artist. He will be joined by a West Kent Mind wellbeing worker, and over the course of the 6 month programme, you will develop your knitting skills and have the opportunity to join relaxed discussions around how to support and improve your wellbeing.

Find out more and sign up here: https://westkentmind.org.uk/i-want-help/creative-minds/creating-history/

Outreach

Outreach sessions involve handling real museum objects, as well as a range of other hands-on activities. The Amelia strongly believes in making new memories and so each session will also include the opportunity to get creative. The sessions are delivered at your own venue and can be tailored to meet the needs of your group.

Please email our Wellbeing Projects Officer, Daniel Huckfield (daniel.huckfield@tunbridgewells.gov.uk) to find out more.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Book Clubs​​​​​​​

These clubs are equally fun for visitors and Amelia staff alike. We offer a friendly environment, and all are welcome. There is no expectation to be an avid reader just interested in reading a new book about once a month.There are currently 3 book groups hosted at The Amelia Scott. We try to keep the book groups to a friendly number of around 6. Therefore, if you are interested in joining a book group when a place becomes a available or are interested in joining a waiting list please email Sam.Rosling@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk. We are always keen to start up more book groups so please do get in touch.In addition, the library can also support book groups with getting books in. Please contact Sam.Rosling@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk for more information.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Access​​​​​​​

If you would like to know more about how to get here and our accessibility, please go to our Access page (https://theamelia.co.uk/visiting-the-amelia/accessibility.html)