A qualitative study of 2Create: A mental health service user-led art group

Wilson, Ceri and Kent, Lyn (2016) A qualitative study of 2Create: A mental health service user-led art group. Arts and Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, 8 (2). pp. 169-181. ISSN 1753-3023

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2015.1048697

Abstract

Background: 2Create is a mental health service user-led art group in the UK established by graduates of Open Arts, a community arts and mental health project. The study aimed to explore group members’ experiences over its first year. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five current and one former member of 2Create. Results: Key themes related to organisation (evolving; flexibility; finance; leadership challenges), the studio environment, personal gains (social inclusion; self-esteem; well-being) and future plans (increasing membership; exhibitions; funding applications; social events). Conclusion: The gains reported indicate that 2Create is beneficial to its members. Although a number of challenges were identified, all participants identified personal and group-wide gains and emphasised that challenges are to be expected when setting up a new group. The key implication for independent mental health user-led arts groups is that support is needed in the early stages and that independence can then be achieved with time.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Additional Information:	This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in: 'Arts and Health' available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2015.1048697
Keywords:	mental health, participatory arts, peer support, service user-led groups
Faculty:	ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)
Depositing User:	Dr Ceri Wilson
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2017 10:20
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2022 11:22
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/701927

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