FAMILIES in the Okehampton area are being supplied with free packs of art and craft materials so they can continue with art activities while they are off school in the current lockdown.

The packs have been organised by the Okehampton Covid-19 Support Group with funding from Okehampton United Charities and put together with help from art teacher Luna Redhead from Okehampton Primary School.

Greta Button, from the support group, said: ‘These art and craft packs were created in response to a need initially identified by the group after talking to local families and becoming aware that many were struggling to afford or source basic art resources.

‘We saw that the children in these families were missing out on art activities that could both support their home learning and improve their mental health and well-being. We were very lucky to get Luna Redhead, art tutor at Okehampton Primary School, on board who willingly headed this project sharing her time, skills and experience to plan and source resources for these packs and to have financial support from Okehampton United Charities.’

She said 30 packs had already gone out to families, with funding for a further 60 packs, and that the support group continued to operate and remain busy despite the gradual lifting of restrictions.

‘We continue to run our phone lines seven days a week and to also think about and respond to those families for whom this has been and continues to be a difficult time.’ The Covid-19 Support Group can be contacted on 07707 565612.