About
Our Creative Wellbeing programme strives to improve individual and collective health. It is informed by a continually evolving understanding of how:
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disadvantage, social (and digital) exclusion can impact on the mental health of young people, families and communities
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alternative creative supports can support positive mental well-being and reduce isolation in the everyday
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new ideas like self-directed care and social prescribing combine for a more positive and inclusive future.
“I am here just to socialise… I had a bad day and feel better.”
The difference we would like to help make
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Self: Supporting improved physical, mental, and social wellbeing, greater self-awareness and understanding of personal story, deeper connections and healthy relationships, and empowerment to develop strategies for self-directed care and long-term wellness.
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Sector: Promotion and diffusion of specialist practice across the field and the strengthening of peer networks and practitioner connectivity.
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Systems: Strategic collaboration to influence policy and practice, including work with Mhor Collective, Glasgow City Council (GCC), Social Work training and Education Scotland probationer teacher CPD.
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Society: Stronger community cohesion and representation, with partners commissioning creative approaches to community voice that articulate the value and values of care experienced young people—e.g. participatory programmes with East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Aberlour, SCRA’s Our Hearing’s Our Voice, Barnardo's, and others.
“I pushed myself to try… I learned new skills to cope with anxiety and high energy.”
"I discovered I’m brave and I don’t need to worry as much as I do"
Projects
Culture Club
In partnership with Barnardo's, Social Work teams in Paisley, and refugee support services, Culture Club took 73 young people on cultural outings in Glasgow and beyond, with highlights such as Wicked, War Horse, Chicago, the Degas exhibition, and The Snowman in Concert.
Dot-to-dot
A creative parenting initiative providing inspiration, collaborative workshops, kit and materials and support for families with experience of care.
Creative Life Stories
In partnership with Blue Cabin, we now have a qualified Creative Life Stories Work therapist. The approach incorporates play and creativity to help care-experienced children and young people understand their own life stories.
Start with Art
Supporting creative learning activity in residential houses for care experienced young people to increase their access to and skills in the arts.
Get involved!
Interested in individual Art Therapy or Creative Life Story Work?