Pioneer Projects (Celebratory Arts) Ltd is a community arts and wellbeing charity. Their aim is to improve heath and wellbeing through the arts, by nurturing the whole health of individuals and their communities.
Theme
- Improving mental and emotional health and wellbeing
- Promoting independence
- Ill health prevention
- Reducing social isolation
- Nurturing healthy vibrant creative communities
Locality
Craven-wide, based from Looking Well Studios in Bentham, running outreach sessions in Settle and Skipton.
Aims
Pioneer Projects (Celebratory Arts) Ltd is a community arts and wellbeing charity. Our work is bourne out the evidence for, and belief in, the connection between creativity and health. Our broadest aim is to improve heath and wellbeing through the arts, by nurturing the whole health of individuals and their communities. Bringing people together to make, talk and share experiences improves wellbeing, increases self confidence and develops skills. The activities encourage friendships, promote independence, reduce social isolation, prevent deterioration and foster a sense of belonging. People of all ages are helped to develop a sense of purpose in their life and their communities.
Details
Pioneer Projects uses art in its broadest sense e.g. 3D and visual arts, music and storytelling, cooking and growing, movement and performance. Accessible, artist-led sessions provide high quality creative experiences. Our Looking Well base in Bentham acts as a creative wellbeing hub for the organisation and the community.
Activities are based on the needs and aspirations of participants, and are tailored to the individual.
Some sessions are specific to a certain health condition e.g. dementia or long-term health conditions or living status e.g unpaid carers.
Workshops for community events such as processions, parades and pantomimes, which might involve making props, lanterns or puppets, are open to the community.
For individuals who are more vulnerable, we provide a safe and stimulating space to begin to connect with others, to explore their own skills and creative abilities, to develop greater independence and to create a structure to their week. Support is available from our facilitator, who meets with each new participant.
Volunteers play a significant part in our activities and volunteering can become a progression route for our benficiaries, e.g community café assistant or procession steward. Volunteers are supported through mentoring and training. This support provides encouragement and stepping stones to achive individual aspirations and gives fair access for all.
We witness a range of transformations in health and social status. Many are life affirming and some are life-changing. Significant improvements are seen in mental health and wellbeing, for example improved mood and emotional wellbeing, reduced stress and anxiety, rebuilt self-confidence and self-worth. By connecting with others through creative activities, the stigma associated with different health conditions such as mental health and dementia can be diminished. Feeling accepted, making new friends and being with others are regularly cited as benefits, which in turn contribute to the development of healthy sustainable and vibrant communities.
How will this case study improve health and reduce health inequalities?
Through ongoing engagement in the arts, individuals experience a range of outcomes that improve health and wellbeing, increase independence and resilience, prevent deterioration and crisis episodes, whilst reducing health inequalities. Examples of outcomes individuals have achieved which contribute to health improvement or reduction in health inequalities include:
- Greater social connections and becoming part of the community;
- Improved mental health and wellbeing;
- Increased confidence and coping;
- Improved physical health and mobility;
- Increase in exercise and healthy eating;
- Engaged in meaningful activity and feeling motivated;
- Learning new skills and developing new interests;
- Volunteering and employment; and
- Making a positive impact on family/carers.
Quotes from participants
"The Looking Well is a very friendly and welcoming oasis of calm and sanity. It's a safe place where you can develop your creative skills, connect with like-minded people and begin to regain a sense of perspective, renewed hope and improved self-esteem. I was initially rather anxious about going to the Looking Well because I always felt a bit nervous about meeting new people, but I needn't have worried. After coming here a few times I soon realised that everyone is kind, understanding and treated on equal terms. I feel better and more relaxed. I still feel the fear but I go ahead and do it anyway. I have stopped taking tablets for depression. I've had enough of being depressed. It helps break the cycle of staying in the house and feeling isolated. Attending the Looking Well has opened new doors which have given me a clearer perspective and has re-kindled a sense of hope." Simon, GP referral.
"Before I came here I felt terrible - nervous and panicky all the time. I was like a zombie, couldn't eat or sleep. I was like a walking kitten. I felt quite worthless. I felt not in tune with anything. I had no goals... Coming here has made me more comfortable. There's such a friendly atmosphere here. I'd never done computing before and I've really enjoyed it.... I feel a lot better now. I feel more relaxed. I still have panic attacks but not as bad. Just getting out has been a big thing for me. We meet some nice people. What has helped me here has been: communicating with people; talking with people; people bringing ideas; being out of myself. It has brought me alive. My life has completely changed." Julie, self-referral.
"It's a safe environment to go. It gets you out of isolation. Long-term illness can mean you lose social skills because you stay in all the time, so coming to community craft lets you interact with other people it's supportive - there is no pressure. So many doors are closed, especially after losing work. Making the decision to move out of the house to see what doors are open to me is important." Edith, GP referral.
"I tend to be quite inhibited - it gives me an opportunity to express myself through artistic projects, 'getting rid of some of my demons'. The postcard project captured something in me and it was something you could go on and on with I found it an excellent way of expressing feelings and thoughts. My wellbeing has been improved partly by having the opportunity to express my feelings and also it's a very therapeutic group, in that we all know that we've had problems of some sort. There is never any need to discuss that but there is a feeling of mutual support." Judith, CMHT referral.
Contact details
Clare Hucknall, health partnerships manager
Pioneer Projects (Celebratory Arts) Ltd
Tel: 01524 262672
Email: clare@pioneerprojects.org.uk
Web: http://www.pioneerprojects.org.uk/
