A mental health community support worker from Glastonbury has created a crafting kit to help make mindfulness more accessible.

Laura Howard had the idea for the kits when she realised how many of her clients struggled with getting caught in a cycle of negative thinking – but were unwilling to try practising mindfulness to help.

"I think there can be a stigma attached to mindfulness," said Laura. "When I try to offer it to people it often doesn't appeal. But people don't always realise what it is. Mindfulness isn't about just sitting being still – it can be an activity too. It's just about being present in the moment."

With crafting activities currently enjoying a surge in popularity, Laura decided that putting together a crafting kit could be a way of encouraging people to try practising mindfulness.

"My kit is decoupage, and it's just a regular craft kit in many ways, but in the instructions I have also included  pointers on how to be more present while you are doing the craft – even down to when you are washing the paintbrushes thinking about the sights and the smells of what you are doing."

And Laura is keen to stress that mindfulness isn't only beneficial for those suffering from mental health problems. "We all have our own degrees of mental health," she says. "Everyone can struggle with their emotions sometimes and it can be overwhelming. People don't realise just how much they are stuck in their own heads. I think mindfulness is about focusing on the external rather than the internal. If you can bring your focus to your immediate environment it's a safe space, and it can help you feel more connected with yourself."

Laura's Mindful Craft Kits are available on Etsy