Getting out, being active and connecting with other people is really important for our health and wellbeing - But what if it’s not that easy to leave the house and find something to do?
What is Woodrow's Workshop?
Here, creativity is not just a skill; it's a lifeline, enhancing mental health, quality of life, and longevity.
Woodrow's Workshop is a free, virtual workshop for individuals aged 55+ worldwide. Each week, participants are transported into the World of Woodrow, where creativity flourishes, and lifelong learning is our goal.
For 75 minutes participants will experience live creative demonstrations, participate in thoughtful discussions and acquire new tangible skills, in a safe and supportive community. Each week participants will have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge towards a personal project of their choice. Participants will receive feedback and have the opportunity to share their progress with the community if they so choose. Don’t have an idea for a personal project… don’t let that stop you, we have some ideas. See our Gallery below.
How does it work?
The workshop is open to individuals aged 55+
The weekly workshop is hosted on Zoom. Participants require only a smartphone, or tablet or computer and connection to the internet as well as an email address and an open mind to participate.
The workshop is completely virtual (remote) and all sessions are live with an instructor (not pre-recorded). We believe that human connection is key.
Sessions run on Tuesdays, for a duration of 75 minutes, with no obligation to participate weekly.
The language of instruction is in English (+ French coming in 2025).
We aim to make the workshop a safe and accessible space. All accepted participants must adhere to our code of conduct.
The Workshop is completely free but spaces are limited so please, don’t wait to apply.
When is this happening?
Tuesdays - Duration: 75 minutes
10:00am-11:15am EST
13:00pm-14:15pm EST
19:30pm-20:45pm EST
All Times are in Eastern Standard Time
No idea... No Problem
If you don’t have an idea for a project that you would like to start…that is not a problem. We will happily work with you to guide you on your creative journey. You are more creative than you think!
Application
We are looking for positive contributors. Does this sound like you (or someone you know)?
Open minded?
Interested in staying active and stimulating the mind?
Interested in learning something new?
Interested in sharing ideas, knowledge and wisdom?
Open to meeting new people from different cultures, ethnicities and races?
Value mental health and wellbeing?
Looking to fill some time in the day with something fun?
All interested individuals are asked to complete our simple application form.Please note that not all questions are mandatory but the more information you provide us with the better equipped we will be to create the best possible experience for you.
All information received is private, confidential and secure and is not shared with any third party.
Identifying a need
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Canada’s fastest growing demographic (individuals aged 55+) consistently report feelings of social isolation and loneliness during periods of transition later in life. The absence of connection, community and cognitive stimulation can lead to a decrease in mental health and well-being, which can result in an increased risk of anxiety and depression .
This pervasive challenge can adversely affect one's health and quality of life and is associated with an increase in non-medical emergencies, exacerbating strain on an already fractured healthcare system.
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Retirement or transition out of the workforce for any reason
Bereavement, or loss of a loved one or community
Mobility issues, health complications or a recent life altering diagnosis
A geographical move, remote living
Other factors beyond one’s control
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Cognitive stimulation and lifelong learning with a community can help individuals maintain mental acuity, improve memory, and enhance problem-solving skills, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Engaging in new activities and learning experiences also promotes social interaction, boosts mood, and fosters a sense of purpose, contributing to better emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Get involved
Perhaps what we are trying to do resonates with you? We are always looking for kind individuals to help us on our journey. We are looking for bilingual instructors/educators, health care professionals, accessible designers, volunteers and good quality people who value giving back. We would love to hear from you! Please reach out via our Contact Form
Donate
If you find value in the workshop and you are in a position to help, we would be very grateful for any contribution. Your generous donation or corporate sponsorship will help to keep the workshop running at no cost to our participants. Keeping it free makes it fair and accessible for all. Please note that at the time of our inception we are not a registered charity so we are currently unable to offer tax receipts. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Contact Us
Frequently asked questions
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If room permits, then absolutely. Priority will be given to individuals who have made a positive contribution in previous workshops.
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Yes absolutely. If you wish to attend the workshop with someone, please note that you must work together on the same project (two versions of the same project is also permitted).
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This is not a problem… Sometimes coming up with ideas can be really difficult but we have a lot of experience in this area! We will work with you to help you develop your idea and find something you are passionate about.
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This is not a problem at all. The aim is to simply make progress and hopefully help you establish a routine and creative practice that will continue beyond the workshop. There are no grades here, just lots of encouragement and positive affirmation.
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Participants will receive an email each week with a link to the workshop. Note that the link will always remain the same and our aim is to make it very easy to connect with us. We also provide participants with a simple instructional video for those who may require additional assistance.
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Don't sweat it. The scope of creating is very broad and our weekly demonstrations will help guide you on your creative journey. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. You are more creative than you think!
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No problem at all… we won’t ask questions and you don’t even need a doctor's note! However, if you think that you may miss more than one class or will be unable to attend the remainder of the workshop we kindly ask that you inform us.
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That is totally fine. We aim to keep things really simple.
The virtual room will be open 15 minutes prior to the start of the workshop so participants will have the opportunity to test out their equipment and get settled.
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Yes… absolutely! This workshop is for you. Accessibility is at the forefront of all we do. The workshop is co-designed with our participants to ensure we are accommodating the needs of all those who wish to participate. Let us know what we can do to assist you.
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Technical Requirements: Participants will need a device such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has a built in camera and microphone (we can assist you if you are having technical difficulties). Participants will also need a reliable internet connection and access to email to join the class.
Materials and Supplies: At the very least, participants will also need a piece of paper and something to write with (a pencil is preferred). Participants can/use bring any additional supplies they wish to (colored pencils, water colors, markers, etc.)
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We ask that you show up with an open mind and some positive energy. We ask our participants to be respectful of others and themselves. All participants will be required to sign our policies and procedures agreement prior to participating in the workshop.
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At this time, the current language of instruction we offer is English. Our goal is to add French in 2025. Interested in running a workshop in another language? Please contact us.
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We do! Donations are integral to helping us to continue to provide this service. We want to ensure that all individuals who want to participate in the workshop have the opportunity to do so, regardless of socio-economic status or financial barriers.
Your donations help to make this project possible.
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We are always looking for kind people to help us out with this project. If you have something to offer (we are open to ideas), please get in touch, we would love to hear from you… and thank you sincerely.