How Newbury venue is working with adults and young people to improve mental health through creative activities
It’s World Mental Health Day.
World Mental Health day takes place every year to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. Locally the Corn Exchange is working with adults and young people to improve mental through creative activities.
Their Arts for Health programme has been in development since 2020, including creative sessions for adults dealing with mental health challenges, to practical training sessions for new care staff in West Berkshire, to art journaling courses for secondary schools supporting mental health and resilience among students. Working in partnership with local GP surgeries, social prescribers, local schools and third sector organisations the Corn Exchange’s Art for Health programme uses creative activities to provide an individualised approach to improve patient health and wellbeing.
Creative Art Journaling: Young Minds offers a visual voice for children and young adults who might otherwise find it difficult to articulate their emotions. Art journals use mixed media and offer a safe place to explore and help self-regulate and build resilience.
‘One student who is usually (non-verbal) nodded throughout [the practitioners] personal story & even spoke to her at the end. Their teacher commented how amazed she was that he had done this as he rarely says a word to anyone. He also stayed the longest and did not want to go because he wanted to finish his page.’ Support artist
Singing for Recovery vocal sessions have a focus on wellbeing using vocal warm-ups, singing techniques and group singing to promote relaxation and enjoyment in a friendly environment. These sessions aim to help build the confidence needed for recovery through singing with support and guidance from a professional singer.
‘In June 2022 I was at my worst and when I couldn’t see a way forward, I took an overdose to try and end it all. I was saved. I am still struggling to accept I cannot do the things I used to, but having tried some other things I have finally found something I really enjoy.’ Singing for Recovery Participant
The Corn Exchange have recently partnered with Vamos Theatre and West Berkshire Council Adult Social Care to embed a crucial training scheme for all Council employed carers and Day Centre staff, supporting the use of creative engagement within their everyday practice.
‘Working with the Corn Exchange Ageing Creatively team has provided us with a great opportunity to facilitate a really immersive training opportunity for social care staff, both from our care home teams and those working in the community. Many of our them have commented on the profound impact the experience has had on them, leading them to reflect on their practice and new ways they can adapt their approach.’ Service Manager
Arts for Health is a key area of work for the Corn Exchange which is currently running a fundraising campaign to refurbish the Old Library in Newbury to become the hub for all the creative participation work they deliver locally – a permanent home which will enable them to expand their delivery to benefit even more local people.
More information about all of these programmes and how you can get involved is available at www.cornexchangenew.com as well as more on the Old Library campaign.
