Open Arts Show

Paintings and a wide range of artworks produced by people recovering from mental illness and carers will be on display at the Open Arts Show on Thursday, 2 November 2017 at the Hadleigh Old Fire Station, 19 High Street, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2PA from 1:30pm – 3:00pm.

The free event is open to everyone, and has been organised by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and Open Arts.

Open Arts works across Essex to help people improve and maintain good mental health and wellbeing through creative learning, self- expression and social inclusion.

Those who attend the show will get to hear from Sue Richardson about how Open Arts helped on her journey of recovery and how she became an Open Arts volunteer and part time studio manager.

Jenny Secker Emeritus Professor of Mental Health and Lyn Kent, SE-SURG will be sharing the results of their recent research: Promoting mental wellbeing and social inclusion through art: six month follow-up results from Open Arts Essex and Why art? Exploring the contribution to mental well-being of the creative aspects and processes of visual art-making in an arts and mental health course.

Open Arts provides great opportunities for people to learn and develop a wide range of artistic skills and be part of a creative group whilst supporting mental health and wellbeing

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of EPUT said: “Doing something creative in a relaxed and fun environment can have positive effects on our mental health and wellbeing. And it’s a great way to interact with people.”