Arts on Prescription David Walters – Senior Research Officer and Director Centre for Arts as Wellbeing

Arts, Health and Wellbeing Support physical, mental, emotional and psychosocial well-being (MacDonald et al., 2012) Support cognitive/intellectual function; (Särkämö et al., 2013) Enhance inter-relationships and spiritual connections (Boyce-Tillman 2002; 2007) Support the wellbeing of carers and care staff (Preti and Welch, 2012)

Specifically, involvement in creative activities can: Improve community well- being and reduce social exclusion (Bungay, 2010) Decrease levels of depression and anxiety and improve mood amongst the participants (Crone et al., 2012) Increase levels of confidence, reducing feeling of isolation and promoting social integration amongst the participants (Crone et al., 2012)

Arts on Prescription A programme of arts activities available of a referral basis; People with mild to moderate mental health conditions are generally referred to the programme; The sessions are informal and no previous experience is requested; The sessions are focussed on arts and creativity (different from counselling or therapy); This is a simply a place to be creative and meet other people.

How it works The average length of the arts prescription is 10 weeks (2 hours of workshop a week); The sessions are delivered in groups of 15 participants and are led by an experienced artist; Most sessions take place within a GP surgery or a community location; The participants are introduced to a variety of art techniques: drawing, painting, print making. Photo courtesy of joyfuljams.co.uk

Arts on Prescription The participants are then supported in creating their own work using the techniques demonstrated; Participants are from all walks of life and different ages who are looking for inspiration and focus in a relaxed and familiar environment; Regular exhibitions of participants' work are organized (including the selling of the artworks). MK Arts for Health: Arts on Prescription. An Evaluation by Willis Newson, May 2013

Cost benefits Simon Opher, Cost-benefit evaluation of Artlift

Cost benefits Simon Opher, Cost-benefit evaluation of Artlift

GP consultations of participants Consultation in year before = 1014 = 11.3 consults/year Consultation 0-6m after = 454 = 10.1 consults/ year Consultation rate 7-12m after= 320 = 7.1 consults/year Percentage reduction = 24% 6 months after seeing an artist consultation rates dropped by 37% Simon Opher, Cost-benefit evaluation of Artlift

The next steps… Partnerships: H&WBB, University, Public Health England and CCG Selection of GP practice/s and/or venue for one year trial Funding and selection of an artist facilitator Link to other regional Arts on Prescription initiatives Multi agency referrals Evaluation by Centre for Arts as Wellbeing Individual patients and IAPT

The potential outcomes... Improve participants’ personal health and wellbeing Increase self-confidence Reduce social isolation Empower individuals to make positive lifestyle choices. Reduce GP visits, medication needs and in-patient hospital stays Improve work skills and increase employability Increase active community participation MK Arts for Health: Arts on Prescription. An Evaluation by Willis Newson, May 2013

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