Borderland Voices, Arts for Health and Mental Well-being

We:

• Support the health and mental wellbeing of regular adult participants (aged 40-90) in the Staffordshire Moorlands via varied enjoyable arts activities. Participants make a (voluntary) £1-2 donation;
• Employ local professional artist facilitators;
• Promote a peer-to-peer participant support network, which functions both during and between workshops;
• Encourage socialisation and support among participants, irrespective of any mental health diagnosis, to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues and counteract isolation;
• Challenge stigma via displays, public events, publications, media coverage etc.
• Pursue funding opportunities to maintain core services;
• Engage in other local arts and community events, funds permitting;
• Help to organise annual events for Mental Health Awareness Week;
• Evaluate and improve our service.

Our weekly services:

Facilitated: creative writing (Tuesday 10.30-12.30) and expressive art (Tuesday 1.30-3.30)

Self-help: patchwork (Monday 10.30-12.30) and art (Thursday 10.30-12.30)

We give:

• Smallish numbers of regular participants: fun; enjoyment; a sense of purpose; enhanced self-esteem; reduced isolation; improved arts-based skills in a wide-variety of media; a robust peer support network; reduced stigma. 
• Local artists: employment opportunities.
• The public: better understanding of mental health issues; appreciation of participants’ artwork.
• Mental health professionals: networking; a referral pathway for their clients.

Many different participants contributed to the artwork featured; it was part of a project funded by a SW Peak Landscape Partnership Community Grant. 

(Mrs) Andy Collins

Borderland Voices

Community Arts for Health and Mental Wellbeing

Bank House, 20 St Edward Street

Leek  ST13 5DS

01538 528708