THE ARTS are being used to keep Warwickshire residents connected and feeling good.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) public health service has commissioned a number charities and organisations to launch six Creative Health Warwickshire projects involving dance, music, storytelling and art to support residents’ health and wellbeing.
The objective of each programme is to use the arts to promote social connectivity and to improve personal wellbeing.
These objectives will be delivered in partnership with the commissioned providers – Arty-Folks, Escape Arts, Breathe Arts Health Research, Arts Uplift, Barnardo’s and Arts Connect.
WCC health spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell said: “Taking part in creative and cultural activities has been shown to have a range of benefits for physical and mental health, offering fun and engaging ways to improve individual and community health and wellbeing.
“The past 18 months alone has highlighted just how important it is for us to look after our mental and physical health, and this varied suite of activities provides a great opportunity for Warwickshire’s residents to stay safe, well, and connected.”
The Creative Health Warwickshire programme aims to support residents’ mental and physical health and wellbeing using a variety of creative techniques and activities.
All six programmes are free for Warwickshire residents and will run throughout 2021 and 2022.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/creativehealth to find out more about the Creative Health Warwickshire programme.
The projects, which all require registration through a health and social care professional, are:
Art for Wellbeing Warwickshire – a variety of arts courses to support wellbeing for adults with mild to moderate mental health issues, using creative processes to bring people together, strengthen self-identity and control over their lives and futures.
Arts and Nature – a range of outdoor programmes for adults with mild to moderate mental health challenges and those wanting to support their wellbeing by engaging with the natural environment.
Singing for Lung Health – singing groups for adults with chronic respiratory conditions which are led by an experienced singing specialist. Sessions are currently online using Zoom.
Arts for Dementia Warwickshire – a range of creative arts programmes within the community for people living with dementia and their carers, including activities such as singing, object-based reminiscence, dance, and storytelling.
Arts on Referral for Children and Young People – several creative arts courses offering a wide range of activities such as dance, music, painting, photography and textiles for children and young people (aged seven to 17) wanting to support their wellbeing.
Arts on Referral for Parents and Infants – a range of creative arts programmes for new parents and carers who want to improve their wellbeing alongside their infant. All creative explorations will be sensory, rhythmic, regular, developing calm and social interactions. There will also be two antenatal courses, and online evening sessions available just for parents and carers.
