Encouragement Through the Arts & Talking
About ETAT
Encouragement Through the Arts and Talking (ETAT is a community charity based in South Westminster, dedicated to reducing loneliness and social isolation through creativity, wellbeing and connection. We provide a welcoming, supportive environment where adults can build friendships, discover new interests and become part of a thriving community.
Working in partnership with local organisations, artists and cultural institutions, we deliver a varied programme of creative workshops, wellbeing activities, social events and community projects. We work with many organisations across Westminster to deliver a wide range of arts, heritage and community initiatives. Recent collaborations include a six-month creative programme at Tate Britain in partnership with Westminster City Council and taking part in the 2025 12 Choirs of Christmas community concert at the Old Vic, which we plan to return to in 2026.
Our activities are led by our dedicated team of staff, artists and volunteers, known as Encouragers, while the people who take part in our programme are known as our Friends. Friends come from across South Westminster's diverse communities and include adults of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Many are experiencing loneliness, social isolation, physical or mental health challenges, bereavement, caring responsibilities, major life changes, or barriers to participating fully in community life.
Whether joining us to make art, attend an exercise or wellbeing session, enjoy a conversation over a cup of tea, or take part in one of our community events, every Friend is welcomed with kindness, respect and encouragement.
At ETAT, we believe creativity has the power to transform lives. By creating opportunities to connect, express ourselves, learn and share new skills, and contribute to our community, we help people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop lasting friendships. Above all, ETAT is a place where people feel valued, supported and part of something bigger.
Dr Mary Catterall
E.T.A.T was the brainchild of Dr Mary Catterall, a senior doctor and gifted sculptor, whose vision it was to set up a group for isolated lonely people who would be encouraged to be creative and share skills.
Dr Mary Catterall believed that “Many people live cut off from human contact and lead isolated lives, deprived of their human gift – speech and the other exclusively human gift is creativity – the visual arts, music, reading and writing”.
After forty years of working in NHS Hospitals as a physiotherapist, medical student, doctor and consultant, Dr Catterall believed that the most enduring medicine is encouragement and this is why she set up E.T.A.T.
