COUNTY NEWS: Adults rediscover love for colouring in

Residents got out their coloured pencils, grabbed a template and reverted back to their childhood in a workshop that is designed to help with stress.

Worthing Library has caught onto the latest creative craze for adults.

The library’s principle community librarian, Jackie Manners, is the brainchild behind the new adult colouring in workshop, launched last week.

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After noticing that more than ten titles in Amazon UK’s top 100 bestselling books chart were adult colouring books, Jackie decided the weekly sessions would be a good way to engage people.

She said: “I know colouring in for adults is becoming increasingly popular, so I thought why don’t we try colouring in workshops.

“People often thought it was just for children in the past. I think adults like the relaxing element and the repetitive, calming effect of it. It’s supposed to reduce your stress levels.”

More than 20 residents turned out last Thursday to get together and colour in a variety of challenging drawings, including animals and intricate geometric shapes.

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Rebecca Robertson said: “A lot of people said it’s taken them back to their childhood.

“Because you have to concentrate on the lines it blocks out all the unwanted thoughts and stress.

“It’s also about combating loneliness.”

Terry Dyer decided to join the workshop to make new friends.

She said: I like colouring in at home so I wanted to come out and meet different people.”

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The activity is believed to generate a sense of wellbeing and peace whilst stimulating other areas of the brain, including creativity.

Jackie said: “You don’t have to be good at art or even creative.

“I used to do it with my children when they were young, but there wasn’t anything for adults back then.”

Rebecca added: “There are different levels, some people don’t want something too intricate and others love it.”

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The sessions are completely free and all the materials are provided by the library.

Jacob Daughtery, 20, brought along some of his own colouring books to use.

“It’s great! I like to do these so much,” he said.

The sessions take place at Worthing Library, Richmond Road, every Thursday, 10am to 11.30am.

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