Eco art on prescription
| Published date | 25 May 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301211232496 |
| Pages | 84-89 |
| Date | 25 May 2012 |
| Author | David Baker,Ann Ley,Justine Alexander,Anne Beer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Eco art on prescription
David Baker, Ann Ley, Justine Alexander and Anne Beer
Abstract
Purpose – This article reports an evaluation of the effect of Eco Art on Prescription courses on the
wellbeing of 39 participants.
Design/methodology/approach – Participants with experience of mild to moderate depression, stress
or anxiety took part in one of three ten-week art courses held in North Devon. The courses were themed
to the local environment and carefully tailored to meet the needs of the targeted participants by
providing a safe, supportive and affirming experience. Students completed a validated wellbeing scale
at the start and end of each course, when qualitative data were also gathered. All data were analysed by
an independent evaluator.
Findings – Attendance over the sessions was extremely high at 91 per cent. Results indicate a significant
increase in wellbeing scores from the start (M=2.59, SD=0.82), to the end of the courses (M=3.26,
SD=0.79), t(26)= 26.74, p=0.0001. Independent observation of a sample of sessions revealed a group
of people totally absorbed in what they were doing. There was a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with
developing social relationships amongst the students. Key themes from students’ qualitative feedback
were sheer enjoyment, educational benefits and increased confidence, both artistically and socially.
Originality/value – This small project adds to an accumulating body of knowledge, both locally and
nationally, indicating the potential of art to improve wellbeing, promote social networks, and to even
transform the lives of individuals recovering from mental distress.
Keywords Art, Creativity, Mental health, Recovery, Wellbeing, Social inclusion, United Kingdom,
Depression, Quality of life
Paper type Research paper
Eco Art on Prescription was an innovative community art project funded through Ecominds,
Mind’s open grant scheme supported by the Big Lottery Changing Spaces programme.
The project consisted of three short courses run consecutively over a 12 month period at
three sites in North Devon – Ilfracombe, Bideford and Barnstaple. The courses were for
people recovering from mental distress and recruitment was through established links with
medical centres, community mental health teams, and a network of inter-related community
services.
Each course ran for ten weeks followed by a further two sessions to present art work
produced and have a local celebration of achievements. The three-hour sessions were
themed to the local environment and were carefully tailored to meet the needs of the targeted
participants by providing a safe, supportive and affirming experience. Each course was
delivered by David Baker, an experienced art tutor with a special interest in this type of
project, with help from a qualified assistant to provide additional learning support.
The art sessions
Activities took place inside and outside, using the local natural environment as the theme.
Students were introduced to simple photography and sketching, drawing from photographs
PAGE 84
j
MENTAL HEALTHAND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
VOL. 16 NO. 2 2012, pp. 84-89, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/20428301211232496
David Baker was
Programme Manager and
course tutor for the Eco Art
on Prescription courses,
Devon, UK.
Ann Ley was, until recently,
a researcher in adult mental
health for Devon
Partnership NHS Trust, UK.
Justine Alexander is a
graduate of the Eco Art
course, Devon, UK.
Anne Beer is a graduate of
the Eco Art course,
Devon, UK.
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