> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Karen Yair > Reference:: Craft and well-being, Crafts Council UK report, 2011 > Date:: 2011 > Tags:: #warp/report #UK/England > WeftLinks:: [[Psychological value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft improves well-being]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Craft leaads to a balanced approach to life, increasing individual well-being and social connection. ### Highlights Research shows that three out of four craft graduates are satisfied with their overall work situation (up to six years after graduation), and that this holds true for those from less affluent and educated families, as well as for those with dyslexia (which is twice as common amongst craft graduates than in the UK population as a whole). Research by physiotherapist Betsan Corkhill suggests that it can — in a good way. Knitting, according to Betsan, can replace other addictions to weight loss and binge eating, smoking and alcohol, and the constant checking and rechecking symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. At the root of this ‘constructive addictiveness’ are the rhythmic, repetitive movements characteristic of knitting and many other craft activities. Absorption in this type of activity not only occupies and distracts the brain, but has also been clinically proven to raise levels of the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin, whilst inducing the relaxation and ‘mindfulness’ more often associated with meditation. [Ceramicist](http://www.eastnorpottery.co.uk/) [Jon](http://www.eastnorpottery.co.uk/) Williams, working at Beaufort School, says that a severely autistic child he has worked with is ‘given a little bit of peace’ by working in clay: ‘He can just be there with the material and not think about anything’, Jon says, as he explores and transforms the material with this hands. [Melanie](http://www.melanietomlinson.co.uk/) Tomlinson, a metalworker and illustrator, runs workshops with women newly arrived in Birmingham from conflict zones around the world. Melanie describes how the experience of a group metalworking workshop promote social interaction and helps participants to feel at home in their communities