Case Study: Reaching Out: Art for Wellbeing across Gwent
Authors(s), Creator(s) and Contributors: Inside Out Cymru
Publication Date: 17/05/2024
Categories: Case Studies
Partner(s): Inside Out Cymru, Alzheimer’s Society, The Riverfront, GAVO, ABUHB
Funder(s): Arts Council of Wales, Inside Out Cymru, The Riverfront, Alzheimer's Society
Introduction
In Jan- Mar 2024, 'Reaching Out' provided arts activities to individuals experiencing barriers to community arts in Gwent because of special support needs and for in-patients. Demand was identified by Alzheimers Society UK & ABUHB. The project improved social inclusion, wellbeing, & creative habits for those with dementia & their carers, & in-patients across 2 ABUHB wards. Activities were coproduced with partners, artists & beneficiaries in accessible venues, ensuring high impact. Through activities like ceramics, printmaking, painting & singing, participants & their carers experienced significant improvements in wellbeing & social connections. 31 sessions total (8 of these delivered by 2x artists) with 262 attendees. “I come away from each session smiling” (participant).
The Challenge
We targeted need for sustained positive wellbeing among individuals who have barriers accessing arts due to mental health conditions or disabilities. We aimed to improve mental health, social interaction & quality of life. The project was co-produced with health partners & beneficiaries to ensure the project effective delivery.
> Needs Assessment: gathering input from local well-being networks; Alzheimer’s Society, ABUHB OT’s, GAVO, IWN & Wellbeing Support Workers.
> Accessible Provision: sessions were held in accessible locations & at convenient times.
> Training/Support: allowing artists & staff to appropriately support participants/peers in a sensitive manner.
> Evaluation & Feedback: Developing evaluation systems with beneficiaries to monitor impact for continuous improvement.
The Approach
‘Reaching Out’ delivered art activities to individuals who typically encounter barriers to accessing such experiences. We groups that are affected by social barriers like specific symptoms that need specialist support or are in-patients. "Reaching Out" successfully delivered:
> 31 Arts for Wellbeing sessions > across 4 different venues & boroughs
> two community settings (Newport & Caerphilly)
> two residential settings (Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent)
> 7 artists: 6 visual arts/crafts artists & 1 music artist
> 8 signposting sessions from Alzheimer's Society UK
> 4 supervision meetings between Alzheimer's Society UK & Inside Out Cymru Artists
> 1 ‘Creative Reflective Practice’ Training - enabling us to facilitate reflective practice for our artists
> 1 emerging-artist mentorship
Engagement with the project was high & consistent:
>262 engagements (133 community, 129 residential)
>47 individual participants (29 community, 18 residential)
“Reaching Out” was delivered between Jan 2024 & March 2024. Session duration varied from 1hr on wards to 2hrs in the community, in response to need. The budget covered artist fees, materials, venue hire, admin costs, training, project management, evaluation, marketing, a film & additional support services provided by partners.
The Impact
IOC engaged a specialist to oversee evaluation. This included monitoring demographic data, bespoke surveys with standard & project-specific metrics, & qualitative feedback from participants. Facilitators documented each session’s outcomes, a film captured the project's impacts & care-staff contributed insight into the effects on wellbeing. Positive feedback received evidences the project's impact, highlighting the following strengths:
> High Accessibility & Engagement: 100% of surveyed carers & 86% of target participants ‘Strongly Agreed’ that the project made arts activities more accessible to them.
> Enjoyment & Cultural Engagement: 71% of participants ‘Strongly Agreed’ that the sessions were enjoyable.
> Wellbeing Benefits: 71% of target participants noted improved wellbeing. All carers & staff noted a significant positive impact, giving an average rating of 4.8/5.
> Social Connections: 71% of participants & 83% of carers ‘Strongly Agreed’ that the sessions helped them connect with others, reducing isolation.
> Supportive Environment: 86% of surveyed participants & all carers feeling supported.
> Skill Development: All participants & carers learned something new, with 83-86% strongly agreeing.
Lessons Learned
We identified several challenges for participants, such as:
> Noise sensitivity which hindered concentration
> Limited physical space restricting movement & creativity
> Complexity of activities > Time restrictions due to unforeseen schedule conflicts
> Limited communication channels In future sessions, we will look to address these issues by identifying quieter and more spacious venues, further diversifying activities to ensure they are even more adaptable & diversifying outreach methods to ensure more potential participants are reached.
The Legacy
“Mum is engaged, responsive, it's improved her self worth. Instead of being bored at home, she’s involved in a group doing something she loves & she continues to do at home! So much so, we have a dedicated door with all her artwork on so far.” (Carer)
Participants expressed interest in future work citing a positive impact beyond the sessions & enjoyment they derived from them. Learning will direct our future work with closer partnerships & thoughtful delivery. Reflective practice sessions will be offered to artists & support staff.
Website and Social Media Links
Film: https://youtu.be/T1TUcyvWJic
Participant Film: https://twitter.com/Dementiawho/status/1764934623736263107?s=20
Inside Out Cymru: https://inside-out-cymru.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insideoutcymru
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insideoutcymru
Twitter: https://twitter.com/insideoutcymru
Alzheimer's Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
GAVO: https://www.gavo.org.uk/
ABUHB: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/
The Riverfront: https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/venues/riverfront/
Bill Chambers Printmaker: https://billchambers.net/
Stacey Blythe Musician: https://www.staceyblythe.com/
Alice Smith Artist:
Sol Portela-Ruiz Artist: https://www.instagram.com/sunshine_artcreations/
Nathan Sheen Artist: https://www.facebook.com/nathansheenartworks/
Sarah Goodey Artist: https://www.instagram.com/sarahnicolegoodey/
Rhian Anderson Artist: https://www.facebook.com/createwithrhian/?locale=en_GB
Gaia Rosenberg-Colorni Evaluator: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/gaia-rosenberg-colorni
Ol Gabe Filmmaker: https://www.instagram.com/ol_mun/?hl=en-gb
Contact Details
Becca May Collins: engage@inside-out-cymru.org Kate Verity: info@inside-out-cymru.org
Download "Reaching Out: Art for Wellbeing across Gwent"
Tags: ArtsForWellbeing,ArtsForMentalHealth,CreativeWellbeing,ArtForDementia,Dementia,Alzheimers,Parkinsons,Caerphilly,Newport,Craft,Music,Printmaking,Art,VisualArt,Ceramics,Clay
