Stockport Arts on Prescription

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Case Study - Healthy Communities
Stockport Arts on Prescription
“using art as a route to wellbeing”

“Not only am I more confident in my drawing and painting but in other areas of my life too.”

Stockport Arts on Prescription has been unique in the country in providing a ten year social prescribing intervention for people suffering from mental health difficulties.

The continuing success of Stockport Arts on Prescription has largely stemmed from it's securing mainstream PCT funding, retaining its highly skilled and committed artists and the support of Health Care and Arts & Health organisations.

In many ways, the Stockport Arts on Prescription has been ahead of it's time:
• the scheme both promotes mental wellbeing and prevents mental ill health. This fits with the current move to rescope the concept of mental health to encompass wellbeing as well as illness.

• there is a gathering momentum to provide social prescribing services in response to the need for mental health/wellbeing services (arts, books, exercise, learning and information on prescription)

Arts on Prescription is a course of art sessions that introduces participants to basic drawing and painting techniques. The course is structured yet flexible and aims to provide a supportive environment to people who are vulnerable due to an experience of mental or emotional distress. The people who are referred often have anxiety or depression and the project hopes to help people regain their confidence, learn about art and meet others whilst involved in a positive activity.

People who remain in the project report a better self-concept, their mental health does not deteriorate and for many, it improves. They appear to be using fewer resources and participating in more social and leisure activities.

“On days when I feel low, I get out my paints and lose myself in my art”

“Arts can open up new areas of interest, get you exploring the world around you, get you living in the moment and perhaps will lead to other activities, journeys and friends.”

Contact : Elysabeth Williams, Senior Health Promotion Advisor
Elysabeth.williams@stockport-pct.nhs.uk
Tel: 0161 426 5095