White Stuff has launched a partnership with creative arts charity Create to help it tackle loneliness.

The fashion store chain will help fund free creative arts projects run by the charity in the community. These will cover music, dance, painting, photography and drama.

To support the partnership White Stuff has created a limited-edition tote bag designed by illustrator Tony Green to be sold in its stores. All profits will be donated to Create projects.

Also, White Stuff will be using the window display in its Exeter store to feature artworks produced through Create’s community projects.

“The UK is facing a loneliness epidemic, and the repercussions can be devastating, but creativity can play an important role in bringing people together,” said White Stuff chief executive Jo Jenkins.

White Stuff has a commitment to donate at least 1% of its profits to charity. Through its White Stuff Foundation, it has donated more than £4m to good causes in the UK since 2010.

Create chief executive Nicky Goulder added: “We fundamentally believe that people need to create. Creativity isn’t a rare talent – it’s an innate need that improves lives.

“When people are empowered to express their creativity, it helps them feel more fulfilled, develop skills, and improves wellbeing, connectivity and belonging.

“But too many people don’t have access to creativity. And often it is people who are already marginalised who lack opportunities to engage in creative activities.

“We are delighted to be working with White Stuff as the company’s new charity partner, which will enable us to provide increasing numbers of free high-quality creative arts experiences for those who need them most.”

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