Open Arts

Open Arts is a community based arts project, working across the county of Essex. We help people improve and maintain their own mental health and wellbeing, through creative learning, social inclusion and self expression.

All our participants are people aged 16 or older, who have either experienced mental health problems or are a carer.

Our courses include taster sessions in visual arts, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, creative writing and crafts. We also offer drama, digital arts and photography courses that help develop new skills and confidence.

But most importantly, we offer a positive and productive environment that has been part of many people's recovery.

Who to contact

Contact Name: Jo Keay
Contact Position: Open Arts manager
Telephone: 07580 982 462 07580 982 462
E-mail: open.arts@eput.nhs.uk
Website: www.openartsessex.com

Opening Times

When is it on: Please visit our web page for list of courses http://www.openartsessex.co.uk/courses/list/

Other Details

Costs

Details: Some of our courses offer free places. For others you may need to be eligible for a recovery budget, personal budget or carers budget. We can talk about what you'd like to do when you contact us.

Availability

Age Ranges

16+

Referral required

Referral Details

We have an open referral system, you can self refer or if you prefer, any health or social care worker can refer you. Just ask them to contact us.

Other notes

As one of our participants you can enjoy:

ïÂ· Gallery visits and creative experiences

ïÂ· Opportunities to exhibit your work

ïÂ· Links to further learning

ïÂ· The option of accreditation

ïÂ· Volunteer opportunities and research projects

ïÂ· Community involvement

ïÂ· Follow up studio placements at Hadleigh Art House - part of the Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS) community arts and culture facility.

We are always delighted to have new people join us as volunteers. Our volunteers are highly valued as key members of the team. Please contact us to talk about what you could do, and find out how to apply.

An independent study by South Essex Service User Research Group (SESURG) at Anglia Ruskin University found:

ïÂ· 90% of participants felt more positive, and said it improved their wellbeing

ïÂ· 80% felt that their relationships with other people had improved as a result of the studio placement

ïÂ· People felt less socially isolated, and reported improved self identity, confidence and choice.

National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards

2016 Open Arts ‘Highly Commended’ in the Partnership Work category

2015 and 2013 Winners of the Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. http://positivepracticemh.com/

Reviews

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