> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Sirpa Kokko, Niina Väänänen, Riikka Hirvonen > Reference:: https://europeancraftsalliance.org/crafting-health-and-wellbeing-a-european-crafts-alliance-sector-report/ > Date:: 2026 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: > - [[Health value of craft]] > - [[Psychological value of craft]] > > Claim:: > - [[Claim - Craft improves well-being]] > - [[Claim - Repetitive craft activity facilitates mindfulness which improves well-being]] > - [[Claim - Craft is a collective activity that forges trust and belonging]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Commissioned by the European Crafts Alliance and conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, this report draws on a literature review of 227 peer-reviewed articles (2010–2025), a European survey, and interviews with professional craftspeople and educators. It finds that craft contributes holistically to wellbeing — supporting emotional regulation, stress reduction, cognitive function, physical engagement, and social belonging — and makes a case for social prescribing of craft within health and care systems. ### Highlights > Craft activities support emotional regulation, reduce stress, enhance concentration, and generate positive emotions. They stimulate the senses, strengthen motor skills, and encourage physical engagement, while also fostering social connection, belonging, and community participation. > The study also highlights the significant role of craft in supporting lifelong learning and active ageing. Older adults benefit in numerous ways from engaging in craft activities, including improved cognitive functioning, reduced loneliness, and increased sense of purpose and personal agency. > The interviews also highlighted the potential of social prescribing of crafts within health and social care systems, noting that craft participation can alleviate moderate health issues through meaningful activity, creativity, and social connection. > For professional craftspeople, wellbeing and health are closely tied to the ability to practise their craft in meaningful, sustainable, and socially valued ways. The findings show that professional makers experience deep fulfilment, identity coherence, and purpose through their work, but also face physical, economic, and structural challenges that directly affect their wellbeing. > Safeguarding professional craft is essential for maintaining the broader wellbeing benefits of crafts in Europe. Craft professions play a crucial role in transmitting skills, knowledge, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices across generations. Without viable professional pathways, the social, cultural, and wellbeing-related value of crafts risks being diminished.