Arts on Prescription
The pilot phase of the Arts on Prescription project finished at the end of March 2010. In the meantime please download the following list of local arts activities:
- Arts in Cambridge [PDF]
An interim evaluation of the Arts on Prescription project can also be downloaded. This includes comments from our participants and a study of the impact of their taking part on levels of anxiety and depression
- Interim Evaluation [PDF]
On receipt of Transformation Fund monies awarded by NIACE, Arts and Minds are piloting 'Arts on Prescription (Cambridgeshire)', a scheme based on two established and successful projects in Stockport (‘Arts on Prescription’, which has been running for over ten years and is now funded through Stockport PCT), and Sefton (‘Creative Alternatives’). Research generated during these projects suggests that participation in regular arts activities may have a positive and significant impact on the mental well being of those experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues.
The ‘Arts on Prescription’ pilot project in Cambridgeshire offers a non drug based alternative (or supplementary) intervention for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Clients will be referred into through project through GPs and other health professionals. We will be piloting the project in three locations initially: Cambourne, Fulbourn, and the Nuffield Road area of Cambridge.
Clients will be offered a series of arts workshops with expert tuition from practising artists, as well as mental health support from therapists or counsellors. Whilst the project focuses on using the Arts to promote mental well being, it does not constitute art therapy. Rather, it aims to engage participants in arts activities as part of a weekly group, over a maximum of fifteen weeks. During this time, childcare will be provided and travel by public transport refunded. Following the project, participants will be signposted on to other arts and cultural activities that they can access within mainstream provision or mental health services, depending on their particular and ongoing support needs.
Carefully structured research and evaluation of the project via questionnaires and interviews will be key in determining the success of the pilot and in supporting bids for further funding. We hope the pilot will expand to become a regular ‘Arts on Prescription’ provision, throughout Cambridgeshire.
Here are some photos of our celebration event and of the artwork producted by participants during the Arts on Prescription sessions:
Please see our leaflet for information on the project [PDF].
If you are interested in being involved, please email us providing your name and telephone number.
If you're interested in referring a client, please download the Referral form >> [Word]
Natalie Daniel
Arts on Prescription Project Manager
Tel: 0775 8334 633
Email: info@artsandminds.org.uk