Open Arts is making a big difference

People in south Essex are benefitting from Open Arts classes up to six months after attending courses according to a recent research by Anglia Ruskin University.

The research published in the International Journal of Mental Health Promotion found positive benefits to health and wellbeing of those who attended the art classes up to three and six months later.

Open Arts is a community arts project run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) for people who have had experience of mental illness or their carers. It offers a 12 week course on various creative arts ranging from drawing, painting, print-making, 3D art and much more.

The research also revealed that taking part in art classes boosted social inclusion amongst the participants and improved their mental health and overall wellbeing.

The research was carried out by Dr Ceri Wilson, Professor Jenny Secker and Lyn Kent from Anglia Ruskin University and Jo Keay, Open Arts Manager at EPUT.

Malcolm McCann, Executive Director of Community Services and Partnerships said: “I am really pleased that our collaboration with Open Arts is making such a big difference to people’s lives. Not only does this provide an opportunity for our service users to explore their creative talents and learn new skills, but it also helps to improve their mental health and wellbeing long after they have attended the courses.”

The art classes are open to all users of services provided by EPUT. Services users can self-refer or be referred by a healthcare professional. To find out more, please visit:  www.facebook.com/openartsessex or contact Jo Keay, Open Arts Manager on: 07580 982 462