Arts for Health are working in partnership with adult learning and have developed two projects that run alongside each other, Back on Track and Creative Pathways. Back on Track is designed to be more supportive, and once completed group members can be referred onto Creative Pathways, which is designed to be a stepping stone for other creative community groups, volunteering or future employment. Our Arts and Health Development Officer post is funded by Blackpool Council. Our Art and Health work focuses on mental health and wellbeing, providing art activities in the community and healthcare settings in Blackpool. We use art activities: to improve well being to focus on learning new skills as a positive impact for people suffering from depression or stress
What we are up to....Artist Maggie McManus has been working with the Arts for Health as part of the
Culture Shops programme. We have been sculpting seagulls using willow and covering them in tattoo-like decoration inspired by the beautiful typography found in the illuminations archive and the Cyril Crithlow collection.
Follow what Arts for Health are up to on our
blog.
Back on Track
This is run by an Arts and Health Officer and is designed to offer stimulating creative workshops to promote good mental health through creative activity. We aim to provide high quality workshops
in a supportive environment with the emphasis on group led projects. The service is on a referral basis and consists of two lots of ten-week creative workshops. After the course of workshops group members will be referred onto Creative Pathways. It is a free creative group offering support and friendship in a relaxed environment. It is designed for people who may be suffering or at risk of suffering from mental health problems. Sessions could include music, dance, drama or arts and craft.
Why come to Back on Track? “
"It gave me the confidence to make new friends.”
“feeling like you`re not alone.”
“I hadn`t looked forward to anything in ages and I started to look forward to coming to this group.”
Creative Pathways
Creative Pathways is a free service that focuses on learning new skills and is designed to be a further stepping stone to enable group members to go on to join mainstream community groups. This service is either by self-referral or via a referral from a health professional. The provision is the same as Back on Track offering two lots of ten-week sessions, before directing group members on.
Why come to Creative Pathways?
“The session made me feel so relaxed, I`m beginning to make some head way with my painting. It`s also nice to be surrounded by others and admire their work.”
“It was fun. I enjoyed playing with my painting and getting advice on how to make it work. The group is very friendly.
” You don`t need any experience to join, just enthusiasm!
For more information about how to join and the next course available call 01254 478033
Please email Sarah Jay for more information