Wilson, Ceri, Secker, Jenny and Kent, Lyn (2014) Arts participation, mental well-being and social inclusion: Mixed methods evaluation of an Open Arts studio for people with mental health needs. Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 5 (3). pp. 341-354. ISSN 2040-2465
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Abstract
Participatory 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.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | social inclusion, social exclusion, mental well-being, mental health, arts participation, participatory arts |
| Faculty: | ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018) |
| Depositing User: | Dr Ceri Wilson |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jun 2017 10:29 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Sep 2021 19:01 |
| URI: | https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/701926 |
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