THREE THINGS TO DO
Creativity and Activities
Art and Well-being at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Positive Ealing visits Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery to discuss with its learning manager, Lala Thorpe, and discovers that art can be a great stress reliever.
A 2025 study led by King’s College London and co‑funded by the Art Fund found that viewing original artworks in a gallery has physiological benefits and improves positive mental health.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is uniquely placed at the entrance of Walpole Park in Ealing. The elegant Grade 1 listed Georgian Manor was once the home of Sir John Soane, the renowned British architect in the early 1800s. Today, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery remains a unique cultural hub in Ealing for contemporary art.
Connecting People Through Art
Stepping into this elegant space, visitors often encounter Lala Thorpe, the Learning Engagement Manager at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing. Her warm smile radiates kindness as she adjusts her grey glasses and introduces herself.
Thorpe explains enthusiastically, “We run a public programme of exhibitions, heritage tours and events in the gallery. It’s about creating cultural experiences that connect people not just with art but with themselves.”
When asked how art impacts her own well-being, Thorpe reflects thoughtfully, “I’ve been an artist, a facilitator and a producer. For me, it’s about ensuring that other people can enjoy it. Depending on what kind of art is on display, you have a different experience. I enjoy the huge variety of artistic vision that is on offer in London, let alone the Pitzhanger Gallery. Art is an inspiration, and the excitement of art boosts my well-being.”
Art as Therapy and Mindfulness
Thrope smiles and adds, “Art is a form of mindfulness and acts as a form of therapy. For example, our watercolour workshops encourage relaxation and improve mental well-being.”
This is reflected in the diverse programme offered at the gallery, which embraces the idea that creativity can be restorative. Whether through making, observing or participating, visitors are encouraged to slow down and connect with their own sense of calm.
Wellbeing at the Heart of PM Gallery
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery hosts a range of wellbeing-focused events from sound therapy sessions and yoga classes to Early Years programmes and creative workshops.
Visitors often share that they have enjoyed their experiences and have benefited from them.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery stands as a powerful example of how cultural spaces can nurture both community and mental health.
Image by: Sophiya Shahid
Lala Thorpe
Learning & Engagement Manager
THINGS TO DO
Walpole Park Ealing
Finding calm in Ealing’s Green Spaces
When life gets hectic, sometimes all you need is a breath of fresh air and a moment surrounded by nature. Chris Bunting, Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture at Ealing Council, knows this better than anyone — especially when it comes to how Ealing’s parks, and particularly Walpole Park can support mental well-being.
Once part of the Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery estate, Walpole Park’s 28 acres were purchased by Sir John Soane in 1800 before opening to the public in 1901. Today, the park remains one of the borough’s most treasured green spaces.
Bunting beams with local pride and says, “Ealing used to be known as the Queen of the Suburbs. We’re lucky to have over 147 green spaces, and Ealing Council really values that. Parks are for everyone and enjoying them is so important for your mental well-being.”
According to the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, people who spend at least two hours a week in nature experience better physical health and higher psychological well-being compared with those who do not. Ealing’s parks are meeting a real need.
Among the many options, Bunting says the Ealing Borough’s top three favourites are Walpole Park, Perivale Park and Northfields Park. But there is something about Walpole Park that keeps drawing people in.
As we walk through its leafy paths, Bunting gestures toward the landscape: “It feels like you’re not in London, the views are spectacular and the nature is amazing.”
Chris is passionate about making parks safe and welcoming, “We’re working on reducing anti‑social behaviour and improving security, so everyone feels comfortable whether it’s the afternoon or 10pm at night. Parks should be places where everyone feels safe when visiting.”
In Bunting’s view, what makes Walpole Park so unique is the calming presence of water. “There are ponds, streams and fountains. Being near water has a calming effect that really improves mental well-being.”
He also highlights the variety of activities that makes the park special. “The tree canopies and mixed facilities offer opportunities from morning yoga to dog walking and cycling. There’s something for everyone. These experiences help people connect with nature and with themselves.”
Walpole Park also supports the local community with a wide range of activities; from daily and weekly classes to seasonal events.
Seasonal changes play a role too. “Walpole Park gets busier in spring and during school holidays. Bunting nods and becomes more animated, “It shows how much people crave nature and there is a real need in West London.”
More Info:
Listen to the podcast which explores how local parks boost mental health.
Image by: Sophiya Shahid
Chris Bunting
Assistant Director, Leisure and Culture at London Borough of Ealing
THINGS TO DO
Read Easy Ealing Volunteering
The Power of Reading: Volunteering at Read Easy Ealing
While many may not realise how many adults struggle with reading, volunteers like Jeff Brown are transforming lives across Ealing by offering support that restores everyday independence and self‑belief.
“Being able to read is life-changing,” Brown says with a reassuring smile.
Jeff Brown is a volunteer and coordinator at Read Easy Ealing. Brown’s journey began after a long career as a headteacher. His belief in learning and its transformative power inspired him to join Read Easy Ealing.
Founded in 2011 by Ginny Williams-Ellis, Read Easy Ealing is a local charity that provides tuition to support adults who are unable to read. The organisation’s mission is to help adults in Ealing reach their full potential by developing their literacy skills to transform their everyday lives. Completing the Read Easy programme typically takes up to 18 months.
The Literacy Trust states that across England, 1 in 6 adults aged 16–65 have very poor literacy skills, meaning they struggle to understand basic text - an indicator of functional illiteracy. Ealing is a large borough with a diverse population of over 380,000 people. There are certainly many individuals who struggle with reading.
The impact of Read Easy Ealing is profound. Brown has witnessed learners improve their self-confidence and independence. “They can now go through the process of applying for jobs and supporting themselves. Another learner who has a mental health condition couldn’t read medication instructions. Now, she can manage her treatment properly.”
Brown believes reading is a gateway to better mental health: “Reading improves anyone’s mental well-being; it helps you get through daily tasks like reading letters and lists.”
Brown says, “If you read, it supports your personal growth. It builds empathy, lets you step into someone else’s shoes and connect with characters and offers the joy of getting lost in a story. You can read books to your children and grandchildren and better understand what's happening in the world.”
Brown adds that reading also helps reduce loneliness and isolation, offering people a sense of connection and a way to engage more fully with the world around them.
Brown also emphasises the well-being benefits of volunteering. “You’re not focused on your own problems; you’re focused on the task and helping someone else. It’s rewarding and uplifting. Volunteering gives you a chance to give back to the community.”
Finally, Brown offers his simple and heartfelt thoughts on volunteering, “Do it. Find an organisation that will appreciate your help and go for it. You’ll feel appreciated and uplifted knowing that you have made a difference through helping others.”
Image by: Gülfer Ergin
Jeff Brown
Volunteer and Coordinator at Read Easy Ealing