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