The Forest Project is a 6-month programme run in partnership with West Kent Mind, aimed at adults with an interest in improving their mental health and wellbeing through the creative process of making their own masks and puppets.

Led by Russell Dean, artistic director of award-winning local puppetry company Strangeface Theatre, the sessions use fairytales linked by forests, including Hansel and Gretel and The Soldier and Death to explore the magical characters and creatures of the forest and the enduring power of trees.

The Forest Project is part of the Creative Minds programme and over the 24 weeks month programme, participants meet weekly at the Scouts Hall in Tonbridge to develop their making skills alongside the opportunity to join relaxed discussions around how to support and improve wellbeing.

The results of the project will be displayed as part of the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival in October 2024.

The Creative Minds programme is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund