Tarka Line Creatives is an exciting creative wellbeing project, working in partnership with One Northern Devon and supported by Devon County Council's Connecting You initiative, tackling loneliness with transport.  From December 2022 until April 2023 we will work with participants aged 16-24 and 55 and over who are experiencing loneliness and isolation.  The maximum group size will be 6 participants, plus group leader, volunteers and support workers as required.  A selection of the images and writing we create will be exhibited at Barnstaple Library in April 2023.

Each group will take part in 4 sessions, comprising 3 train expeditions and 1 indoor session. ​

• Each expedition will involve travelling by train on the Tarka Line from Barnstaple.  For each expedition we will explore the countryside around Umberleigh, Eggesford or Crediton. 

• We will be walking, talking, taking photographs and writing, inspired by the natural world along the Tarka Line Railway.  NO experience is necessary.  Train fares will be paid for and we will provide all the equipment.

• At the end of each session we will gather in a cafe to chat about the photos we have taken (we will pay for refreshments).

• Each group will come together with one other group for a final session indoors to plan and create a celebratory public exhibition.  This will include recording audio of the creative writing so that those with visual impairments and literacy difficulties can also enjoy the exhibition.

• ​The workshops are fully funded and there is a travel budget for support workers/enablers to attend too. 

• A certain level of mobility will be needed as walks will be up to two hours long and may be on uneven ground.  Please get in touch if you would like to discuss accessibility.

Over 55s
Expeditions from Barnstaple Railway Station:
Umberleigh Monday 6 February 2023  10.00 - 2.30
Eggesford Monday 13 February 2023 10.15 - 2.30
Crediton Monday 20 February 2023  9.15 - 3.30 (lunch provided)
Indoor session at Barnstaple Library: 
Monday 27 Feb 2023 10.00 - 3.00 (lunch provided)

16-24s
Expeditions from Barnstaple Railway Station:
Umberleigh Monday 6 March 2023  10.00 - 2.30
Eggesford Monday 13 March 2023 10.15 - 2.30
Crediton Monday 20 March 2023  9.15 - 3.30 (lunch provided)​
Indoor session at Barnstaple Library: 
Monday 27 March 2023 10.00 - 3.00 (lunch provided)

Contact here to register your space.