Ginny and Rupert, a married couple from Cambridge, know what it means to face life’s toughest challenges — and come out stronger, together. After both receiving support from CPSL Mind, they not only found each other but also discovered a shared mission: to support their community through creativity, compassion, and connection. That journey led to the creation of CreativiTea — a welcoming space where creativity supports mental wellbeing.
Finding Help, and Each Other
Ginny has experienced both physical and mental health challenges throughout her life. Although she faced difficulties as a child, it wasn’t until around the age of 30 that she had a mental health breakdown. She was later diagnosed with PTSD, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), and possible ADHD, which helped her begin to understand her past and start the path to recovery.
Ginny accessed counselling and, through CPSL Mind, took part in peer support groups, several workshops, and Good Mood Cafés.
“Mental health unfortunately still carries some stigma,” Ginny says, “but at the support groups and Good Mood Cafés, everyone is in the same boat. There’s an understanding that you might not be doing well — and that’s okay. Everyone is there for each other. I often get anxious in social situations, but these groups made me feel so much less worried. It’s also really helpful to have a facilitator who gently coordinates everything.”
Rupert also had a difficult early life, shaped by trauma and mental health struggles. After the loss of his fiancé to suicide, he sought support through a counselling group and connected with CPSL Mind.
Rupert says, “When I reached out, it was the first time in my life I felt truly listened to. It’s such a great organisation.”
The couple first met around 12 years ago. Opening up to each other early on created the foundation for a strong and supportive relationship. “We’ve both been through a lot,” they say, “We share the same values, we understand each other completely, and face everything as a team.”
Now married for seven years, Ginny and Rupert are not only grateful for each other — they’re grateful for the support they received and determined to help others in return.
Introducing CreativiTea
With a shared love of arts and crafts, Ginny and Rupert wanted to create a space where people could come together to express themselves, socialise, and support one another — especially those who may be struggling with their mental health.
They reached out to CPSL Mind, and with the help of the Good Life Fund, they launched CreativiTea – a warm, welcoming community group offering creative craft sessions alongside tea, coffee, and conversation.
“Because of my physical impairments, I sometimes find it difficult to do certain things,” says Ginny. “But crafting really helps me feel better about myself. It gives me purpose — something to do when I feel I’m not much use. We wanted to share that feeling with others.”
CreativiTea encourages people to step outside, meet others, and get creative — regardless of ability or background.
“The space we’ve created is completely non-judgmental,” they say. “Everyone is warmly welcomed and included. It’s a place where people can feel part of a community and do something positive for their wellbeing, while also creating beautiful things.”
A Message of Hope
Ginny and Rupert are deeply thankful for the support CPSL Mind provided – not only for themselves individually but also in helping bring their vision for CreativiTea to life.
“We’re so grateful,” they say. “It’s amazing that something good has come out of something bad. Now we hope that what we’ve built can help others take that first step — whether it’s reaching out for support, meeting new people, or just finding a creative outlet when things feel overwhelming.”
CreativiTea group meet on the first Friday of the month, 10am-11:30 am at the Salvation Army Community Hub, 3 Tension Road, Cambridge CB1 2DG. For more information, please email creativiteagroup@gmail.com
For more information about the Good Life Fund, please click here.
