Wilson_2014.pdf (110.42 kB)
Arts participation, mental well-being and social inclusion: Mixed methods evaluation of an Open Arts studio for people with mental health needs
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 14:46 authored by Ceri Wilson, Jenny Secker, Lyn KentParticipatory arts projects are thought to increase mental well-being and social inclusion for people with mental health difficulties. This article presents a one-year evaluation of the Open Arts studio at Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS) in Essex, England, established to provide opportunities for mental health service users to carry out art-making independently with professional support. The evaluation was a mixed-methods design, with qualitative and quantitative strands. A total of 23 studio members completed measures of mental well-being and social inclusion at baseline and follow-up, and scores increased significantly over time. Members’ comments indicated increased social support, confidence, motivation and mental well-being, in addition to decreased social isolation. Despite small sample sizes, this evaluation provides promising evidence of gains in mental well-being and social inclusion. The question of longer-term benefits beyond the studio placement remains to be addressed, but results add further support to the use of participatory arts in promoting mental health and well-being.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
5Issue number
3Page range
341-354Publication title
Journal of Applied Arts and HealthISSN
2040-2465External DOI
Publisher
IntellectFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
Official URL
Legacy posted date
2017-06-29Legacy creation date
2017-06-27Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC