A community arts programme for older people: an evaluation

Date14 March 2016
Published date14 March 2016
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-07-2015-0027
Pages22-28
AuthorTheodore Stickley,Ada Hui,Gary Souter,Danielle Mills
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion
A community arts programme for older
people: an evaluation
Theodore Stickley, Ada Hui, Gary Souter and Danielle Mills
Theodore Stickley is an
Associate Professor at the
School of Health Sciences,
University of Nottingham,
Nottingham, UK.
Ada Hui is based at School of
Health Sciences, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Gary Souter is Lecturer in
Mental Health at the
Department of Nursing and
Midwifery, Sheffield Hallam
University, Sheffield, UK.
Danielle Mills is based at the
School of Health Sciences,
University of Nottingham,
Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of a community-based arts programme for
older people in Nottinghamshire.
Design/methodology/approach The evaluation was conducted using a combination of pre- and
post-initiative quantitative questionnaires and qualitative focus group interviews. This paper focusesupon the
findings from the focus groups.
Findings Participants reported feeling more positively about ageing and being more motivated to pursue
new opportunities at the end of the programme. Five themes emerged from the focus group interviews,
namely age and ageing, the finished product, new opportunities, aspirations and the future and personal
benefits. These related to increased confidence, having greater creative expression, meaningful occupation
and opportunities for socialisation.
Social implications The programme was found to be successful in helping individuals feel more positive
about their age, to feel more confident and motivated, to engage with others through mutual creativity, as well
as to challenge negative social stereotypes of older people.
Originality/value The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with older people and those
with an interest in the arts. This evaluation demonstrates the diversity of the older population with older
citizens voices being at the heart of the programme.
Keywords Evaluation, Older people, Age, Ageing, Arts, Community arts
Paper type Case study
Background
It is has become widely accepted that the health and well-being of older people is a main priority
for British society, especially with an increasing population of the over 50s (Age UK, 2011;
Department of Health, 2001; Oliver, Foot and Humphries, 2014). Health and well-being is much
more than simply attending to physical illness with treatment. It has become widely recognised
that social factors have a significant impact on health and a sense of well-being (Cooper et al.,
2008; Langeland and Wahl, 2009). Loneliness and low self-esteem as a result of isolation is a
common problem amongst the older population (Cattan et al., 2005; Findlay, 2003). A review of
the literature concludes that physical and social activities are consistently associated with a
positive effect on mood and increased self-worth (Biddle et al., 2000; Cooper et al., 2008;
Langeland and Wahl, 2009). The health benefits are primarily psychosocial; making new friends,
maintaining social networks and the stimulus of interacting with people from a variety of
backgrounds is inevitably good for older people.
The World Health Organisation recommends improved access to non-medical sources of
support through social prescribing/community referraland includes engagements with arts
activities in these recommendations (Friedli, 2009, p. 41). Similarly, the Royal College of
This programme of work, including
the evaluation was funded by
Nottinghamshire County Council.
PAG E 22
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
VOL. 20 NO. 1 2016, pp. 22-28, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-07-2015-0027

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