This project is an opportunity for people with experience of mental health challenges to come together to learn, grow, create and have fun. During times of poor mental health, our thoughts and feelings can have a negative impact on every area of our lives. Our mental health relates to how we think, feel and act. It is a spectrum of experience, ranging from negative to positive and includes everything in between. This means that each and every one of us will experience negative, mild and positive symptoms of mental health, as we move up and down the spectrum throughout our lives.
Some of us can experience hearing voices and seeing things that no one else around us can see. Others may experience moods that can range from really high to really low. Our willpower and energy levels can also shift. We can lose touch with reality and retreat into ourselves. These experiences can affect the rest of our lives but with the right support, we can and do recover. There are many different resources available to support people both when they become unwell and as they progress on their recovery journey. Support from family, friends and our community is essential to our wellbeing. This project will provide social connections whilst practicing a relaxing activity together. You will be able to link in with other people who have the same interests as part of a community.
When we read some poetry, write a short story, or engage in a movie or play, we can start to open our minds and imagination in a positive, calm way. It’s great to do this on our own, but even better in a group where we can give support when we’re able and receive support when we need it. Sometimes it is the creative process itself that liberates our mind from its control over our emotions, allowing healthier expression.
Creativity is healing in many ways; an occasional pastime, an artist’s life passion or its intentional use in art therapy. The positive effects of creativity are there for everybody to enjoy. Often it can be easier to express what’s going on for us on the inside, by channelling our thoughts and feelings into creating something else – this allows the magic of art to happen. Equally, these creations can be a calm and beautiful form of escapism.
For others it can resonate on a different level. It can speak to a part of them that’s never spoken. It can challenge a perspective, remove a long standing belief or create a spark of wonder. It can alter your emotions in a matter of seconds. It can project your imagination into a potential future you’d never even considered before. One filled with endless hope and fears. It has the power to open eyes, minds and hearts.
Walking wounded
It wasn’t perfect, But we all survived A little shaken, but no real damage. Yet, We are the walking wounded, With phantom limbs, Where our hopes and dreams should be. Is it delusion to let societies values Govern our days, While secretly screaming, Hoping, without hope, That somebody cares enough to listen. Until one breaks out, And others join in, A rapturous dance of ecstasy. Claire Cullen (Peer Support Worker)
‘The poem above is an example of what can be produced when a person engages with the arts within a safe, encouraging environment ‘
“This piece was co-produced by Peer Support Volunteers who use their lived experience to support others along their recovery journey. Each peer recognises the value of human connection and honours this through one to ones and group work. By becoming part of this project we hope that participants have the chance to expand their comfort zone in a supported environment, meet new people and create something new together.”
Authors: John Curry, Vincent Geoghegan, Daniela Monza, Niamh Murphy, Stephen Scally.
Cover photo by William Farlow on Unsplash
