Try New Thing Fridays

TNT Fridays: Warm Space, Creativity & Digital Confidence

TNT Fridays is a free weekly warm space and wellbeing programme for older people across Sunderland, offering creativity, conversation, practical support and digital confidence building.

Delivered by Try New Things CIC, the programme brings people together in a warm, friendly and welcoming community space. Each session includes relaxed creative activities, social time, refreshments, and gentle support around everyday digital tools, including accessible introductions to AI.

No creative or technical experience is needed. Sessions are informal, low-pressure and open to anyone who would like to connect with others, try something new and access support during the cost-of-living crisis and winter months.

Activities include collaborative drawing, lino printing, charcoal drawing, light and collage workshops, creative wellbeing sessions and practical AI support.

Participants can also explore how AI and digital tools can help with everyday life, including budgeting, meal planning, writing utility complaint letters, researching support services, improving wellbeing routines and staying safe online.

Each Friday also offers opportunities for one-to-one support conversations, referrals and signposting to trusted local services and community organisations.

TNT Fridays aims to reduce loneliness and isolation, build confidence, encourage creativity and support older people to feel more connected, informed and empowered.

All sessions are free to attend, with refreshments provided.

Friday 3 July – Welcome to TNT Fridays
Creative activity: Collaborative character drawing
Support focus: Project introductions and wellbeing conversations

Friday 10 July – AI Basics
Creative activity: Community drawing
Support focus: What AI is and how to use it safely

Friday 17 July – Cost of Living Support
Creative activity: Sharpie drawing inspired by Keith Haring
Support focus: Writing complaint letters and exploring utility support

Friday 24 July – Staying Connected
Creative activity: Collaborative mark making
Support focus: AI for communication and social connection

Friday 31 July – Budgeting and Planning
Creative activity: Taking a Line for a Walk
Support focus: AI for budgeting, shopping and meal planning

Friday 7 August – Wellbeing and Routine
Creative activity: Large-scale charcoal drawing
Support focus: AI for wellbeing and activity planning

Friday 14 August – Digital Confidence
Creative activity: Acetate collage
Support focus: Online safety and avoiding scams

Friday 21 August – Memory and Visual Culture
Creative activity: Light box tracing session
Support focus: AI for researching local support and services

Friday 28 August – Winter Preparation Begins
Creative activity: Community drawing
Support focus: Creating personal winter plans using AI

Friday 4 September – Winter Wellbeing
Creative activity: Acetate and light work
Support focus: AI for winter routines and staying active

Friday 11 September – Support and Self-Advocacy
Creative activity: Sharpie poster making
Support focus: Utilities, benefits and complaint letters

Friday 18 September – AI Support Clinic
Creative activity: Open creative table
Support focus: One-to-one digital and AI support

Friday 25 September – Warm Space Social
Creative activity: Collaborative drawing session
Support focus: Fuel pack distribution and winter referrals

Friday 6 November – Winter Warm Space Relaunch
Creative activity: Taking a Line for a Walk
Support focus: Reconnection and winter wellbeing planning

Friday 13 November – Getting Through Winter
Creative activity: Acetate window light session
Support focus: AI for heating, budgeting and meal planning

Friday 20 November – Seasonal Making
Creative activity: Lino cutting – Ghosts and Ghouls
Support focus: AI support drop-in

Friday 27 November – Community Light and Warmth
Creative activity: Collaborative light installation
Support focus: One-to-one support and referrals

Friday 4 December – Winter Social and Creative Session
Creative activity: Christmas lino printed cards
Support focus: Fuel packs, winter planning and signposting

Friday 8 January – Winter Reset
Creative activity: Collaborative drawing
Support focus: Rebuilding routine after Christmas

Friday 15 January – Healthy Habits
Creative activity: Charcoal movement drawing
Support focus: AI for healthy routines and activity

Friday 22 January – Confidence and Creativity
Creative activity: Light box drawing
Support focus: AI support clinic and digital confidence

Friday 29 January – Community and Connection
Creative activity: Open creative session
Support focus: One-to-one support and referrals

Come along, enjoy a warm and welcoming space, meet others, try creative activities and access practical support.

Free to attend. No experience needed.