We took a visit to Arc-centre in Stockport where they focus on arts for recovery with Stockports community.
We met with Leona Armstrong who gave us a tour around the centre and filled us in on the projects Arc offers. I contacted Arc as I had previously visited the centre last year during unit X. I felt that re-igniting a connection with the organisation would be a strength as they were familiar with us from the previous year. Contacting organisations and individuals with an already established project in action gave me a strong purpose and drive, filling me with confidence in my role and what I am out to achieve. I feel this confidence has aided me in starting to build a strong foundation of new relationships, networks and connections which I hope to take forward with me into the future, working in the field of arts for health.
The centre had an exhibition being displayed in their visiting gallery space, which showed all the work, projects and feedback from participants over the last few years. This was excellent timing that we caught the show and we were able to get a glimpse into the amazing work that Arc has delivered, and the effects that has had on the participants who were involved.
Below are images of Arcs work space:
Leona gave us an overview of the projects Arc offers.
Hearing different models and structures of how arts for health organisations run gives me a good insight and ideas that I can use for future projects.
some of my notes:
Focus is adult well being,
Participants are either self referred or are refereed by someone they know.
The programmes they offer are free and Arc raise money with public programmes/ in their gift shop/ events/ fundraising/ finding donations and funds.
Public programme- learn a new skill
charged
a way for the organisation to raise money
All of Arc’s projects are dependent on available partners, funding and volunteers.
Social prescription
Referral process
Many of the participants are referred by family members or specialists, some are self referrals. Arc makes sure to support the participants in and out of Arc, making sure to signpost issues to other organisations and specialists if necessary to help the individuals outside of Arcs support.
The programmes Arc provides are created to help individuals with:
-A staple week routine
-Build social skills
-A network of support around them
Making sure that the sessions are accessible, fun and relaxing.
Art can be intimidating as there are many people who feel they can’t ‘do’ art. Sessions are planned to make sure that the creative work is inviting and not overly complex.
Outreach programme
Entry to Arc
Beginners/ participants who are referred and new to Arc have the option to test the waters and try out a testing programme to see if it is something they enjoy.
Each Community Outreach session lasts for 2 hours, every week for 10 weeks. The creative courses are led by experienced community artists and are designed to help participants build in confidence, relax, increase their well being and feel more a part of their local community. All abilities are welcome.
The outreach programme is set at many different locations local to the participants.
6-8 people, 1 artist
This programme is to help tackle loneliness and Isolation, to get people together as an all inclusive programme,
Dementia friendly
Volunteer led
Some of the volunteers at Arc are ex-participants who completed all their programmes, going full circle, and giving back to the organisation by volunteering.
Projects involve support workers, making sure that the participants are supported with any mental health related issues. Projects designed for the course, run by a community artist.
Projects include art such as: mark making/ re introducing what art is/ how to be creative.
The participants are involved in the curating process as well as making the artwork- to aid in building new skills and confidence.
Building their self esteem and confidence.
Well being programme
-mothers group
focused on life as a mother, dealing with issues such as post natal depression.
‘me time’, the children are looked after in a local creche.
Volunteer led
Challenge
This programme requires the participants to travel to Arc, which is different from the outreach programme which was located locally to the participants involved.
The groups are on a bigger scale 14-16 people.
The projects are 2 hours a week for 6 months, so a bigger commitment.
The project is working with a number of artists and volunteers.
This change and contrast to the outreach programme is why the programme is called challenge.
-The participants are challenged to travel to the location, which can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Helping to build independence and give the participants a feeling of purpose and achievement.
-The groups are larger and there are multiple artists and volunteers, this can be a challenging socially for someone to endure and overcome. Helping to build adaptability and social skills.
-The project is a longer 6 month commitment, this can be difficult for some people to stick to, but this will be a huge achievement for some people as it builds commitment, reliability and independence.
Post challenge
Arc offers workshops for participants who complete the challenge programme.
These include:
-Choir
-Mindful movement
-creative writing
These workshops are less often, running every 2 weeks with breaks. This is to avoid any risk of participants becoming dependant on Arcs support and helps to maintain the participants independence whilst keeping relationship with workshops every few weeks.
Participants are always welcomed to any of these mini projects after completion of the challenge programme.
Arc makes sure to check in with participants to make sure they are ready to end the programme.
The volunteers tend to gain self confidence and self esteem, and through experience at Arc they progress on to becoming volunteers themselves.
Arc make sure to designate the same volunteers in the same sessions to keep a routine and familiar faces. This ensures the sessions are warm and friendly and not overwhelming having to meet new people every week.
Arc also run specific groups such as:
-With schools/individuals with dementia/young moms/young adults and teens
-Arts base – young adults and teens in vulnerable positions.
oldest age- 25yrs.
This is led by a volunteer/ ex-teacher/ social worker.
Arcs partnerships and funding are run though providers such as:
-Children in need
-Nhs
-Council
-Lottery fund
And they fund raise for projects throughout the year.
Exploring Arts For Health 
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