Art gallery and mental health care unit pilot new art project
A new exhibition features artwork made by people recovering from complex mental health difficulties.
‘Work in Progress’ – a name chosen by one of the featured artists – is the culmination of a pilot art project designed to boost the wellbeing and confidence of people receiving care at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s rehabilitation unit in Ipswich Road, Colchester.
Art Psychotherapist Megan Belcher and staff at The Minories art gallery in Colchester worked together to develop the project, which gave participants the opportunity to take part in ten workshops led by local artists.
A selection of artwork was chosen for Work in Progress, which is now on display at The Minories, 74 High Street in Colchester, until 11 February.
The project was funded with £5,000 from the North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance and GP Primary Choice, which was administered through the local charitable organisation Community 360.
The funding was used to run the art workshops and work with staff from The Minories to create the exhibition.
Megan said: “I had been inspired by the way an individual used the art psychotherapy group I ran at Ipswich Road.
“I noticed how they would put their art up on the walls like a mini exhibition.
“I wanted to create a social inclusion project that helped individuals we support to network in the community, learn new skills and grow in confidence through artist-led workshops.”
Eight people took part in the workshops, which ran from August to December last year. Local artists worked with participants to explore a variety of artistic media and techniques, including pottery, graffiti, weaving, photography, and painting.
One of the participants said: “The workshops reignited my love and engagement with art as a pastime.”
Another said: “I have really enjoyed the workshops. I love art and craft. It was great to visit all of the sectors where the art can be produced. I feel proud of the work I have found myself doing.”
The Ipswich Road rehabilitation unit supports individuals who have complex mental health difficulties such as psychosis.
Being unwell for long periods of time can lead people to lose confidence, feel isolated and also miss out on opportunities for education and training.
Staff at the unit help them regain their independence and support them to manage their health and wellbeing before they return home or to supported accommodation.
Megan said: “The art workshops focused on teaching individuals new skills and aimed to increase their confidence through creativity and the experience of meeting new people in different environments.
“This is what made the workshops different from art psychotherapy groups, where art is used as a way to facilitate how someone expresses and processes their thoughts and feelings, typically without direct guidance regarding what is being created.”
Occupational Therapy Assistant Florence Baines said: “The art they are making is really good and I think they are discovering a level of skill they didn’t know they had.”
Emma Barrow, Gallery and Programme Manager at The Minories, said: “It's been a pleasure developing this project with Megan, EPUT staff and local artists to support the creative and social journeys of the eight participants throughout the varied creative workshops.
“The work produced is a joy to see and a testament to the project's success.”
Feedback from the people taking part and staff who have supported the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the impact taking part has had on them all.
As a result, further funding is being sought to continue the project.
The Minories is open from 10am – 4pm Thursdays to Sundays. Free entry.
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