OPEN ARTS SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (SEPT) communty arts and health project, Open Arts, has been shortlisted for the national Positive Practice in Mental Health awards.

Entered under the category of Art, Mental Health and wellbeing, which attracted over 35 submissions, Open Arts has been shortlisted as one of  the top three services, nationwide, that demonstrates positive practice by supporting and encouraging the creative talents of people with mental health needs.

Open Arts offers 12-week visual and performing arts courses, and Open Studio provision.

One attendee at an Open Arts course commented: “I felt I was treated as an artist, not a person with mental health problems”

Having recently been awarded 2-year funding by the Big Lottery Reaching Communities fund, Open Arts will be offering more courses in a venue near you soon.

If you are interested in taking part in an Open Arts course call 01277 312916 or email: open.arts@sept.nhs.uk.

 -ENDS-