Developing creative approaches in our health services with all of us in mind

www.creativemindsuk.com

23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 1 18/02/2014 06:45 Wel come I am pleased to introduce the third edition of our Creative Minds magazine. As you explore the pages of this issue, I hope you see the impact that creative projects, initiatives and activities are having on people in our local communities, helping them to reach their potential and live well. I hope you will be inspired by what can be achieved through activities such as these; I know I certainly am!

Since we first launched Creative Minds in 2011, we’ve developed some fantastic partnerships that are really helping us to deliver a service offer to local people that helps them to reach their goals.

We all have something inside of us that responds to creativity; this may be through sport, dance, art, writing or outdoor activities. Because we are all different and respond to different things, as an organisation, we need to make sure we can offer a wide range of activities that appeal to our diverse communities. Creative Minds is a framework that allows us to do just this.

Working in partnership is really important to our Trust and the strength of our partnerships with other organisations and groups means we are able to offer a range of innovative wellbeing opportunities, under the umbrella of Creative Minds. We are always looking to build on this and invite voluntary organisations to become creative partners and work with us to deliver transformative and meaningful projects for those who use our services. You can find out more about becoming a creative partner on page 31.

I have seen first hand the incredible difference that Creative Minds is making to individuals and I am proud of what has been achieved. Creative Minds is about so much more than just taking part in an activity – it’s also about encouraging active participation, reducing social isolation and enabling people to make new connections within their community.

There is a huge amount of evidence and research that highlights the best outcomes can be achieved for an individual if we look at them as a whole person. So, we need to provide the very best care and treatment when they need it but we also need to look at what else they need to improve and maintain their wellbeing.

With very best wishes,

Steven

Chief executive

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 2 18/02/2014 06:45 Contents 6

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2013 Calendar 8 happy places group

12 people participated in this group. The aim was to stimulate happy memories by talking about the happy places in our lives Crea tive Minds and sharing them with the rest of the group. We then chose one specific happy place each to go to and photograph for this calendar. We hope this calendar enables you to think about With all of us in mind your own happy place and maybe one of our happy places might hold happy memories for you too.

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The group is an opportunity to 22 28 27 socialise with others, make connections

with people and 27 express your creativity

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 3 18/02/2014 06:45 Taking part in the activities at Mount Vernon hospital

What is Qdos Creates? |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Qdos Creates has been delivering performances, workshops and accredited courses regionally and Kudos for Qdos nationally for young people and adults since 1995. Their challenging Barnsley-based creative workshop engage with as they choose to, which and innovative work has tackled organisation Qdos Creates has been will broaden their knowledge and issues such as peer pressure, helping to host a number of activities experience of creative activities.” bullying, domestic abuse and racism aimed at boosting creativity and through creative activities, helping inspiration in service users. At Mount Vernon hospital in Barnsley, participants to make informed occupational therapy staff worked decisions about their lives. At Kendray hospital in Barnsley, in partnership with Qdos Creates activities including creative movement, to introduce a series of creative singing, poetry reading and writing workshops to help service users unlock to participate in therapy activities run and drama were organised and run at their creativity. during the rest of the week.” the Oakwell centre to give people the opportunity to build self esteem and As part of the project, Louise Edwards CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental confidence through arts. from Qdos Creates runs sessions every Health Service) in Barnsley have also Wednesday on two of the wards been working with Qdos Creates to The project builds on the success of at Mount Vernon hospital offering engage young people in new activities previous groups and taster sessions run people the opportunity to try their to help them express their personal at the Oakwell centre which received hand at various creative activities. The journeys and goals. As part of this positive feedback from service users sessions are specifically for older people project, Qdos Creates run creative and staff. People can join in with the who need physical rehabilitation and workshops on a weekly basis which are activities as part of a small group or on those with cognitive impairments such open to all those who use the CAMHS a one to one basis at regular weekly as memory loss. service in Barnsley. The fun and upbeat times, with activities tailored to meet sessions work to engage people in skills people’s changing needs. Paul McLaughlin, occupational therapy based activities such as singing, drama, team leader explained, “The service dance and poetry. Karen Khamis-Burtoft, senior users I have spoken to about the occupational therapist at Kendray sessions are full of praise for them, During the workshops held so far, hospital, explained: “We applied for saying that taking part gives them a lift young people have had the chance funding from Creative Minds to allow and a focus for the day. to play different musical instruments, us to regularly provide creative sessions design their own posters to encourage which had evaluated really well with “Ward staff who help facilitate the others to join and create a film to service users who had already taken groups have also reported the benefits showcase what happens in the sessions. part in them. that service users are getting from taking part including increased levels To find out more about the work “Through this project, we are able to of stimulation and motivation which of Qdos Creates, visit offer weekly sessions that people can in turn means people are more willing www.qdoscreates.com

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 4 18/02/2014 06:45 Creativity in the p i c t u r e with framing group A group of service users in Calderdale have been putting their creativity Framing an image in the workshop in the frame at timber framing workshops.

The workshop is run by the Calderdale Inclusion Support Service (CISS) vocational team and offers training in creative and practical skills to support service users in preparing for employment, while also providing an affordable and innovative way of displaying artwork.

The group works with recycled timber to create the frames, which provides both a signature style and a sustainable method of producing their creations. Thanks to Creative Minds funding, the group were able to purchase more materials, framing equipment and storage.

The framing group used their new facilities to showcase their creativity through a number of projects. order requirements and that people years, even untreated, in customers’ l Following the renovation of are satisfied with the results. and service users’ gardens. the Priestley Unit at Dewsbury and District Hospital, staff and The workshops run in blocks of ten These workshops are open to everyone service users created artwork to week sessions, covering health and who works with the vocational team. place on the walls using a variety safety, a machinery and equipment Training is provided by a vocational of different methods including induction, framing and presentation team worker and a volunteer who photography, painting and styles before starting practical work has several years’ timber trades drawing. on obtaining and recycling timber, manufacturing experience. machining mouldings and assembling The group then stepped in to give frames. Mount cutting, glazing Tim Holt, vocational team worker, the artwork a finishing touch by and constructing frames lead the said: “It’s lovely when the service producing bespoke frames for each service users on to machining timber user’s customer comes in to collect individual piece. to create affordable mouldings their frame and says it’s fantastic. and building a second frame, They have had great feedback, and l At the Trust’s 2013 Excellence before making a third frame using it’s great seeing their work in public Awards, lucky winners recognised commercial mouldings. buildings and shows. People in the at the ceremony received a workshops really value being able to certificate and photo of their team Service users can also now take focus on a project with a physical end displayed in a frame hand made part in the newly established rustic result which they can take ownership especially for the awards by the furniture workshop, which uses wood of and make the way they want it.” framing group. from sustainably coppiced trees such as silver birch to create furniture To find out more about the project These projects give trainees the including tables, chairs and benches. or to enquire about placing an order, experience of working to orders for The wood is locally and responsibly contact Tim Holt at customers , ensuring they meet the sourced and will last around 30 – 40 [email protected]

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 5 18/02/2014 06:45 Gardening for health ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Horticultural therapy uses gardening and horticultural activities, such as planting greenery and garden maintenance, to help service users with their rehabilitation. It’s used in a variety of ways across the Trust, and these three projects have used Creative Minds funding to help our service users grow plants and grow in confidence! Ready, set, garden!

Service users have been given the them new skills, and offers them the green light for gardening in Kirklees chance to engage with new people with the help of Creative Minds, and members of the community to which has contributed to the funding improve their social wellbeing. of gardening project ‘Green for Go’. Green-fingered volunteers in The project, run by Groundwork Huddersfield tend to their own Leeds, focuses on helping people allotment near Paddock Village with learning disabilities and Hall and participate in community mental health issues to learn projects across Kirklees including new horticultural skills through helping in the garden at Lyn Royd volunteering in the community. Sheltered Housing scheme. Dewsbury volunteers do their bit by helping to Green for Go helps to increase maintain Crow Nest Park. volunteers’ confidence, teaches The groups’ efforts also help them to work towards an accredited NOCN qualification in ‘Using and Maintaining Garden Tools’. The volunteers learn how to identify, ‘Allot’ of health clean and safely put away a number of garden tools and learn which tools and happiness are best for which task in order to The vegetables found in allotments earn their certificate. are usually considered good food for a healthy lifestyle, but it’s actually planting Becky Houlding, community co- the seeds in the ground that has been Service users tend to their allotment ordinator at Groundwork Leeds, said: helping service users in Kirklees to lead “One of the biggest things we’ve better lives. Gardening for Health, led found the course brings to people is by Holme Valley Gardening Network, increased social skills, confidence and provides enjoyable outdoor allotment self esteem in our volunteers. activities for people with mental health conditions at two sites in the district – “Many people in the group have Wooldale and New Mill. different skills so when they come together it really works. Service users Taking part in digging, sowing, planting, families have told us that they are harvesting and even outdoor cooking now much more talkative about encourages service users to get outside their days and have really grown in and fill their lungs with fresh air to confidence.” improve their wellbeing. Other benefits If you would like to find out more include being able to take ownership The Green for Go team at their plot on about joining Green for Go, contact over caring for the life of a plant and Paddock Allotments Becky Houlding on 0113 238 0601. socialising with others in a calm and peaceful environment.

Holme Valley Gardening Network was My experience set up in 2009 through a passion for “I just get peace from coming outside. The ward can be quite stressful working the land and all the benefits – there’s only so much TV you can watch and card games you can play. it offers both the environment and I’ve always liked gardening – I’ve got green fingers. Coming out to do individuals. To find out more about the activities is like looking after my own garden.” Holme Valley Gardening Network, visit Service user www.holmevalleygardeningnetwork.org

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 6 18/02/2014 06:45 Hor ticultural therapy ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| “I enjoy horticultural therapy as it gets me outside. I especially like it in summer but I do also enjoy the winter jobs! When you see a job through to the end it makes you really proud to see it finished.” Service user The ABLE Project – Growing Wakefield’s secret garden sunflowers at Newton Lodge Based on Calder Vale Road in Wakefield, it’s hard to believe the ABLE Project’s environmental haven lies just a dirt track away from the busy city centre!

The project recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary – recognising a decade of offering positive life experiences to service users through Feeding the fish at The ABLE Project sustainable projects, social interaction and outdoor activities. A number of projects take place on the site, including Creative Minds funded ‘Learning to Grow’, giving service users with a variety of needs a breath of fresh air through working with nature.

Doing things a little differently My experience Two of the most interesting growing In bloom at The ABLE Project processes the project pioneers Tony Howden has been a are hydroponics and aquaponics. at the site, and the group ensures horticultural therapist with Aquaponics is the process of fish such they keep returning by building bird the Trust for seven years. He as koi carp, tilapia or even goldfish nesting boxes and tiles for reptiles to explains horticultural therapy creating nutrient-rich water in a tank shelter under, along with laying down and the benefits it can have on by depositing their natural waste. This plants, food and water to keep the site service users: water is extremely beneficial to a variety attractive to animal visitors. of plants, which are placed in the water “Horticultural therapy involves after the fish have finished to sail on Looking to the future going outside and carrying out top in floats. The ABLE project is now looking to a variety of gardening activities. expand its facilities and sustain its My sessions include growing Hydroponics is the method of growing environmental credentials with new vegetables and flowers, looking the plants using the fish water – no soil allotments, polytunnels and fish tanks. after plants in our polytunnel is used, however the plants flourish and Also on the drawing board are plans for and maintenance such as bloom quicker than they would if they a series of interactive trails, showcasing pruning roses. were placed in the ground. The plants art sculptures and wildlife information then harvest the nutrients from the for visitors. “The benefits it brings to water leaving fresh, clean water known service users are endless – as ‘aquaculture’ to put the fish back in! Steve Hemingway, manager at The just being in an outdoor ABLE Project, said: “We hope to create environment with fresh air is The ABLE Project also offers people as many sustainable projects as we positive. It also helps them the chance to try their hand at more can with the help of the service users. to gain social skills and learn traditional methods of harvesting – It’s really worthwhile for them to be how to work as a team. It including growing fruit, vegetables and outside among the nature and wildlife, brings the service users a sense herbs, which are then sold in healthy and working with other people really of freedom as they can just vegetable and salad boxes. The site is boosts their social lives.” wander around the garden and also home to a host of exciting wildlife be themselves.” including birds, reptiles and mammals. Visit www.theableproject.org.uk to Red kites and owls have been spotted find out more

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 7 18/02/2014 06:45 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Service users have confidence down to a fine art

Creative Minds funding has been helping service users in Halifax get state-of-the-art support from a creative class.

The ‘Art for Wellbeing’ project allows service users to access art classes in a supportive environment to combat the social exclusion, stigma and lack of resources that they would otherwise often face.

The project is run by ‘The Artworks’, an independent art school championing the revival of the British Art School from its base in an industrial textiles mill in Halifax.

‘The Artworks’ tutors are skilled at engaging with service users to produce quick and positive results, and support service users who wish to continue into mainstream classes. The classes are open to anyone with an interest in art, regardless of their perceptions of their drawing ability.

A service user who regularly hypnotherapy haven’t helped Service users taking part in attended the classes highlights - drawing has really helped to workshop why they are so helpful: improve my ability to relax.” that best described their mood, “Having always been laughed at Following a successful pilot, which “unsure”, “anxious”, “tired” and told I could not draw, I was saw the classes oversubscribed and “nervous” were the most very apprehensive and nearly with enthusiastic service users, the frequently-chosen words before didn’t come. I was in tears on project now runs a range of classes the sessions; “Uplifted”, “positive” one of the art sessions because of aimed at nurturing various levels and “confident” were the top how people have made me feel of artistic skill. three words chosen after. previously. Staying was the best decision of my life. In two short Classes include introductory Art for weeks I gained confidence and Wellbeing, Levels 1-3 (beginner, pride and the wonderful world of improver and foundation) and a art has been opened up for me. year-long Practice for those with outstanding talent. “I really enjoy drawing and have found myself going to bed and The pilot demonstrated the drawing instead of staying awake benefits of Art for Wellbeing with: all night. It helps to focus my mind 70% of participants stating that on something other than mental the sessions had helped improve health issues. I have suffered their mood; 73% felt improved for many years and relaxation confidence, and 82% felt better in A ram’s skull used for tapes, yoga, counselling and themselves. Asked to select words sketching inspiration’

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 8 18/02/2014 06:46 Healthy minds, healthy lives…

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A series of support groups have been improving their mental wellbeing. helping people in Calderdale develop The support groups currently tools to relax, de-stress and manage running include: “By attending, we hope to increase their mental health experience. l Hearing voices peoples’ choices for recovery, reduce l Bi-polar isolation and strengthen social The support groups are organised l Depression networks as well as increase peoples’ by Healthy Minds, an independent l Mum time resilience to difficulties as they reflect charity and each group has a central l Wellbeing works on how they can utilise creativity theme. l Women’s group and coping strategies that have been explored during the groups.” The six support groups currently running allow people to use creative Find out more about the support activities to reflect on situations Each group progresses at its own groups, including times and venues they’ve experienced, encourage pace, with agendas and programmes when they are running at discussion with others and to explore set by participants, reflecting their www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk tools they could use to help them current recovery journeys. cope with these. All groups are run in accessible and relaxed environments. Jenny Fagan, a Trustee at Healthy Minds explained, “Due to the stigma By attending, we Volunteers who have experienced associated with mental health, hope to increase mental health issues were recruited people can find it less threatening and trained by Healthy Minds to to engage with a group offering peoples’ choices for help run the groups – giving them different creative activities, such an opportunity to utilise their as writing and craft and through recovery… experiences when developing this explore different techniques activities. for managing their difficulties and Sharing memories of happy places

To encourage older people in arts and dementia access project and Wakefield to share stories about their Vivify. Both of these projects also life, places that have been important received support from Creative Minds to them and milestones they’ve and you can read more about them at experienced, they were invited to join www.creativemindsuk.com the happy places community group. Rosanna explained, “We invite older As part of the groups’ activities, people in the Wakefield district who attendees were encouraged to use are in touch with the Trust’s mental their creative, artistic and photography health services to join the happy skills to tell their stories. A calendar places group as it is an opportunity Calendar was then produced which depicted to socialise with others from their 2013 people’s creations and stories. The community, make connections with happy places group

calendars flew off the shelf and money people and express their creative 12 people participated in this group. The aim was to stimulate happy memories by talking about the happy places in our lives and sharing them with the rest of the group. We then chose raised from their sale has been used to sides using photography and art one specific happy place each to go to and photograph for this calendar. We hope this calendar enables you to think about Crea tive Minds your own happy place and maybe one of our happy places support the groups since. work. might hold happy memories for you too. With all of us in mind The happy places group is run by “The group is also an opportunity Rosanna Ward, a health care assistant to improve peoples general wellbeing The happy places calendar and John Nutton, a support worker, – not only by reducing isolation and who developed their skills in running providing them with active, mental To find out more about the health programmes utilising arts and stimulation but also physically, happy places group, contact creativity through a number of other encouraging healthy eating and [email protected] Trust projects including ADAPT – an providing opportunities to be active.”

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 9 18/02/2014 06:46 Shall‘Creativity with Qdoswe dance? creates’: Taking part in the activities at Mount TheVernon shall wehospital dance project is aimed at opportunity for people in a variety of What are the encouraging adults and older people settings across Kirklees. in Kirklees to try out Latin American benefits of dance? and Ballroom dances such as jive, Part of the project also includes the Dance is known to have a quickstep and the waltz. The project production of a DVD, involving group encourages people to come together members to highlight that anyone positive effect on overall general and enjoy the health and wellbeing can take part and enjoy the activity. fitness, muscle strength and benefits that dance can bring. The DVD will help future trainers balance. The social element and participants to remember steps of dancing also increases To ensure the sustainability of the and will also be used to encourage self esteem, confidence and project and to increase community people to try dancing in their own communication skills. ownership, group members can train environment. as ‘leaders’ to provide dancing as an

Singing for health in Wakefield People in Wakefield have been practicing their harmonies as part of a choir aimed at improving the overall Staf f feedback health and wellbeing of service users, carers and staff in Wakefield. Led by ❝ I’ve really enjoyed getting music-based charity Hoot, the aptly together with others to sing named ‘Harmony’ choir have been and learn something new making music together since June together ❞ 2013, and have gone from strength to strength ever since. Ser vice user feedback Paula Rylatt, specialist practitioner at ❝ I really enjoyed learning the Trust explained, “The Harmony to sing a song in another choir is a great opportunity for The Harmony choir hit the high notes! language ❞ people to come together to enjoy singing; which has a real positive impact on health and wellbeing. “As well as the health benefits of singing, something new with new Along with boosting confidence and the choir, it’s been a great way of people.” self esteem, singing is also known to promoting better connections and reduce stress, increase lung capacity understanding between people who The choir, which covers music from and improve posture. access Trust services and staff.” all eras and generations, will run 40 weekly sessions over a 12 month Following an evaluation of the period. As part of the project, ‘choir project so far, there has been leaders’ will be trained so that they Did you know? some great feedback from are eventually able to run sessions, Singing is a great way to keep in service users, carers and staff, ensuring the project is sustainable in shape as you are exercising your who identified similar themes the future. Paula added, “The choir lungs and heart. Not only that, in the benefits of attending the has been a great success, people have your body produces ‘feel good’ sessions. People explained that the really got on board and are enjoying hormones called endorphins, which singing made them feel a sense being a part of it. rush around your body when you of companionship, gave them the sing. It’s exactly the same when you chance to meet new people, made “We’re really keen to develop the eat a bar of chocolate. The good them feel relaxed and reduced choir further and would like to news with singing is that you don’t stigma. perform at different places in and gain any calories! around the Trust to encourage others One service user said, “I enjoyed to join in.”

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 10 18/02/2014 06:46 Get ting creative with Purple Patch living

People with learning disabilities l Feel good – A three hour and singing. The event was a huge in Calderdale have been showing workshop including gentle success and received great feedback their creative side thanks to Creative exercise and art activity to from service users. Minds and a host of activities offered promote physical and mental by the Purple Patch Living project. wellbeing. Gilly Bryerley, Purple Patch Arts l Life-long learning – A day-long director said, “We know what a The project is led by Purple Patch arts programme which includes difference these activities make in Arts, an organisation that aims to drama, art, music, movement and people’s lives and it was great to be provide opportunities for people literature to encourage life-long able to open it up and involve even with learning disabilities to excel and learning and key skills. It aims to more people in what was a fantastic reach their full potential. Their work increase confidence and improve and fun-filled day of activity.” supports people to build on their communication skills as well as confidence, communication and self- developing art and performance The Purple Patch Living project advocacy skills. skills. includes weekly sessions based in Halifax and Hebden Bridge. The Purple Patch Living project offers To encourage people to find out two different activity programmes what Purple Patch Living has to offer, To find out more, visit the for service users: the team held a taster session which Purple Patch Arts website at included a mixture of crafts, drama www.purplepatcharts.org

A host of talented service users are waiting in the wings for their cue as Service users seeing stars in show they prepare to take part in a ‘Stars in Your Eyes’ performance show. currently busy putting together their Geoff Hunton, manager at Pontefract costumes and perfecting their routines Family Centre, said: “The service The Pontefract Family Centre, a charity ready to perform in a round of heats. users’ confidence and enjoyment is which has been supporting adults through the roof and their drama with learning disabilities for over 30 A handful of star acts will then be skills have gone from strength to years, received Creative Minds funding chosen to perform at the ‘Stars in strength. to provide drama activities to local Your Eyes’ grand final later this year. service users. As well as providing a rehearsal space “It’s knowing they have a big show for the acts, the Family Centre also to work towards and rehearse for, A number of acts, including dancers, runs a drama activity afternoon on which gives them a sense of pride and magicians and stand up comedians, are Wednesdays. ownership. It’s been wonderful.”

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We introduced the Creative Minds strategy in 2011 and since then, we’ve supported staff, voluntary organisations and community groups to deliver creative activities as part of healthcare interventions.

The use of creative activities in healthcare can have a really big impact on a person’s wellbeing – whether that be increasing their self esteem so they feel confident to try new things, developing social skills as they meet new people, or providing a sense of purpose as they are actively engaged in meaningful activity that has a structure and aim.

Where individuals have low expectations and poor self image, the sense of achievement found in creativity gives them a chance to start to move away from negative or self destructive patterns, habits and start to write a new story that promotes recovery.

Introducing the Creative Minds strategy was an opportunity for the Trust to commit to utilising creative approaches in our delivery of health services for local people. It has also helped to raise awareness of the opportunities available for individuals and groups to develop and grow creatively, with a little support from the Trust.

What is creativity?

If you asked 10 people what creativity meant to them – you would probably get 10 different answers. It means different things to different people and can be defined in lots of different ways.

For the purposes of this strategy, we have defined creativity in the broadest sense to take into account not only the contribution of the arts, but also participation in sports and other physical, therapeutic and leisure activities that can promote health and wellbeing.

How was the strategy developed? able to access, can be seen throughout it. Following the workshops, a number of key findings were summarised The main reason for developing the Creative Minds from feedback given and included in the strategy. These strategy was to meet a continued request from service include: users and carers to be able to use more creative l a need to ensure all the Trust’s districts- Barnsley, approaches to understand and support their health and Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, have equal wellbeing. opportunities for creative activity and learn from each other’s good practice. Workshops with service users, carers and staff helped l a requirement that creative needs in all services are met to inform the strategy, and their feedback about what and that these are shared with others creativity meant to them, the impact it had on their l staff utilise creative activities in service users care plans wellbeing and the type of activities they would like to be where it would be beneficial to do so

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 12 18/02/2014 06:46 How Creative Minds underpins the way we transform our services

The Trust is currently working through a programme of l As much choice as possible and explain all the choices transformation – looking at how we transform our services available so they continue to meet local need, offer best care and l Support for family and carers better outcomes and are value for money. Creative Minds enables us to work in a different way for The ethos of Creative Minds underpins our transformation the combined benefit of people who use our services, their work; designing services that echo what people have told carers, our staff and our local communities. Our plans have a us is important to them. Feedback gathered from people recovery focus, with people retaining control over their own who use our services, their carers, staff and the public has health and wellbeing; Creative Minds helps us to do this. highlighted that people want: If you’d like to keep up with news about how we are l Services that keep individuals in the centre and focus on transforming services, why not become a member of our potential Trust? We’ll send you our magazine as well as invite you to l Increased use of technology events that may be of interest. Find out more at l Organisations, big and small, to work together www.southwestyorkshire.co.uk/membership or call us l Support as soon as it’s needed on 01924 327567.

What are the benefits of using creative approaches in healthcare?

l Prevention: Creative approaches can help engage l Innovation: as well as supporting service users to with people in communities with the highest levels seek creative and imaginative approaches to support of deprivation and hardship. Creative programmes their personal growth and development, the have been shown to promote better health and creativity agenda can be used at all levels within the wellbeing in vulnerable individuals and to foster organisation to seek innovative approaches to client social integration, community strength and cohesion. care, team development, service development and l Reducing stigma: showcasing positive artistic organisational management. achievement challenges negative stereotypes l Value for money: providing creative activity is often and celebrates participants’ talents and abilities, more cost effective than many other medical or conferring value and esteem in the process. therapeutic interventions. There are opportunities l Early intervention: early engagement with ‘softer’ to lever additional funds through partnerships techniques avoids deterioration of health needs working with external arts/health agencies. and the need for more expensive and intrusive l Strengthening transition: working with creative interventions. agencies in the community builds links to a range l Personalised care: services need to develop the of new opportunities in the wider community, capacity to offer real choice to individuals to supporting progress away from acute services purchase self-determined packages of care. Access to towards greater autonomy and independence. creative activities is popular with service users, and l Resilience, individual & community: creative therefore likely to be an important component of approaches have been shown to be effective the new market of social care. building cohesion and strength in vulnerable l Multi-agency commissioning: the creativity agenda communities and providing significant gains in offers real opportunities for partnerships with personal resilience and recovery from mental and other creative groups and agencies, in the process physical ill health. increasing the range of creative resources and approaches available to service users.

How does the Creative Minds strategy support the Trust’s strategic objectives?

l The strategy supports the Trust’s mission to enable healthcare and share this with our partners, enabling people to reach their potential and live well in their innovative examples of good practice to be implemented community. in other areas and our Trust to provide thought leadership l It helps the Trust to live our values including putting on the approaches adopted. service users and carers at the centre. l Creative activity can improve the service user experience, l The strategy enables us to maximise the benefit of both engaging them in the design and delivery of services. external and internal partnerships improving our service offer and delivering better outcomes. Our strategy can be read in full on the Trust website at l It helps us to be innovative in our approach to www.creativemindsuk.com

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 13 18/02/2014 06:46 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Service users in Wakefieldsaddle up

Service users in Wakefield saddled with horses have many benefits, the service users a real sense of up as part of an equine therapy including improved communication companionship and made a real project which aimed to improve levels, motivation for exercise, difference. We saw a marked social skills, boost confidence and sensory awareness and a sense of change in people from when they provide a sense of companionship. confidence. Rosanna Ward, a health first started coming, they’re more care assistant, helped to facilitate social, confident and it helped them The project, which was run in the project and said, “We made sure to re-engage with previous interests partnership with Wakefield Riding it was a slow and steady process so or find new ones. for the Disabled Association, gave that people had enough time to get service users the opportunity to get used to the horses. Over the weeks, “Feedback from the project has involved in a number of activities we gradually built on the types of been really positive; people enjoyed such as grooming, riding and stable activities we did. We eventually being around the horses, a part of duties. had a few service users who felt a group and the calming energy confident enough to get on the the horses brought. When we asked To ensure the project met the horses and go for a ride. people if there were any bad points, individual needs of those taking “Working with the horses gave a lot said it wasn’t long enough or part, it took place in two that they didn’t want to go home!” programmes, each consisting of 16 weekly sessions. The first My experience programme worked with those Studies have suggested with memory problems and the “I am a 68 year old man, I lost my second was tailored for participants wife 6 months ago, life for me that people benefit from with mental health problems. was dark and I felt there was no regular contact with It has been shown that activities future. I took up the offer made by animals; many people have Rosie to give the group a try. I was given the opportunity to interact shown to have an especially Equine therapy is used with the horses, brushing, combing unique relationship with in a variety of therapy etc. I was able to give and receive the horse, thanks to the unconditional love and trust, and fields; horses can help fulfil a boyhood dream to ride a long association of people people with physical horse. So in summary, the group and horses. issues, speech problems, has given me new hope, trust and the quality of my life has improved behavioural issues, so much; none of the above could emotional problems, have been possible without the and other disabilities. leadership from Rosie and the riding for disabled” A member of staff from the riding school Service user helps a service user to groom a horse The equine therapy group

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 14 18/02/2014 06:46 Sticks and

stones The art installation addressed common myths surrounding HIV The Sticks and Stones project, led and mental health by Plus Me and Creative Recovery, brought together people from across Barnsley who access Trust services, to create different artwork including film, textiles and audio. The artwork was themed around the impact of discrimination and was used to create a large walk-through installation which explored ‘how accepting is our town’.

Helen Boutle led the work on behalf of Creative Recovery and said, “The Sticks and Stones project was created thoughts and feelings. Support group by people from different groups Plus Me is a local support group across Barnsley. They created screen- The installation showcased various for people living with HIV in printed textile pieces, short films and a pieces of thought-provoking Barnsley. The organisation promotes soundtrack. Some of the artwork was artwork including a film addressing health and wellbeing, challenges challenging but we hoped that it would discrimination, a music area with social exclusion and encourages get people thinking about some of the quilts and cushions created by service independence. Creative Recovery issues highlighted and bring people users and illuminated screen prints of uses art as a means of recovery for together.” language and words associated with people in Barnsley. You can find discrimination. out more about the work of this The walk-through installation was organisation on page 21. launched in Barnsley town centre After completing a walk through on World Aids Day and aimed the years it was hoped a few myths to encourage reflection about surrounding HIV and mental health opportunity for local people to be discrimination in our own communities will have been broken and participants part of a big project and learn new and grow mutual understanding. will be asked to pledge not to use the skills, at the same time as helping to A member of staff from the riding school Visitors were transported from the words displayed. raise awareness of World Aids Day, the 1980s to the present day and were organisations involved and the impact helps a service user to groom a horse encouraged to consider their own Helen added, “It was a great of discrimination.” Newton Lodge writers Service users at Newton Lodge have inspiring. People were eager to tell piece of poetry called ‘Everyone taken part in a writing project to their stories, and it was a real positive has a story’. The poem can be viewed encourage them to express their experience having someone who was on the Trust’s website at thoughts and feelings in a creative interested and who wanted to listen.” www.creativemindsuk.com way. Led by Yew Tree Theatre, service users took part in workshops where “The project provoked conversations. they transcribed personal stories It was really enlightening to hear focussing on their families, history and about the different backgrounds of ambitions. the service users, where they had come from and what their ambitions were.” Sarah Osborne from Yew Tree Theatre, worked alongside the service The stories written as part of the users and said, “The project was really project were used to form a creative

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 15 18/02/2014 06:46 ||||||||||||||||||||||| My experience ❝ I was moved to tears by the deeply connecting emotional Shantha Rao experience that was transmitted demonstrating through the music and dance. hand gestures Deepest gratitude for this in Indian dance experience and for sharing your talents and discipline in the art forms. ❞

❝ I hope to see, hear, feel and taste your amazing music, dance, poetry and food again soon. ❞

❝Annapurna came to us in June to deliver a workshop on dancing, storytelling and food; people loved the workshop giving everyone a really good insight. ❞

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Sharing India’s dance heritage

‘Spices, songs and stories’ gave local and helping social integration as “At Annapurna, we specialise in people in Calderdale the opportunity people from different cultures and bringing alive the well loved stories to get involved in workshops that backgrounds came together. from the ancient epics and mythology utilise dance, storytelling and songs of India, using the vibrant traditional to positively improve health and Shantha Rao, artistic director at dances with storytelling, music, wellbeing. Annapurna explained, “Spices, songs drumming, puppets and masks and stories was a great project which along with beautiful costumes. Our This series of workshops were helped us to share the potential of workshops help you to explore the delivered by Annapurna Indian Indian dance and cultural ideas with rhythms of dance, with its many Dance, an organisation that aims different communities throughout fascinating hand gestures and stylised to improve peoples’ quality of life Calderdale. facial expressions for communicating through arts and celebrate diversity ideas and feelings. by sharing the dance heritage of “We worked in partnership with India through colour, movement, various organisations and groups “The beautiful hand gestures rhythm and expressions. to deliver this project including the expressed in Indian dances are a Women’s Centre, neighbourhood precious source of inspiration and The workshops, which ran police teams, Purple Patch Arts and creativity. They are known as Mudras throughout 2013, were open to the Calderdale Yoga Centre. and are full of rich meanings and everybody and featured creative history. They have been carefully movement and music performances “There were many benefits to this passed on from generation to by Indian storytellers, musicians, project. For example, it has helped generation providing a wonderful puppeteers, percussionists and visual to integrate the Asian arts into way of communicating our moods artists. Attendees were encouraged mainstream health strategy and and feelings. to join in with performances if policy making, giving a wider remit they felt comfortable to do so and for the arts in terms of healthy living “There are 28 single handed and introduced to healthy traditional and wellbeing. It has also helped 24 double handed mystical and Indian meals, to highlight the natural to bring artists and communities magical Mudras in the storytelling benefits of using specific spices and together and provided equality of dance called Bharata Natyam, ingredients. opportunity to celebrate diversity in and we introduce people to these every step of the way. It also helped throughout our workshops.” The project offered accessible to sustain the artists and raise the creative activities that people could profile of the company nationally. Find out more about Annapurna join in with; boosting self esteem, and upcoming workshops at providing a sense of purpose www.annapurnadance.com

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 16 18/02/2014 06:46 Service users Singing for fun in Barnsley! People in Barnsley are enjoying get social in Wakefield singing sessions to boost health and wellbeing, learn a new skill and People in Wakefield have been meet new people. The Singing for getting to know one another in I’ve made some Fun group is part of Worsbrough weekly groups aimed at older adults Common Community Association’s who find it difficult to access their great companions, (WCCA) initiative to develop local community due to disability or it’s a nice outing community-led activities that being unable to access family or local address physical and mental health transport. each week. We’re inequalities in Barnsley.

The groups were developed all like old friends The sessions are open to all and following a successful pilot project now are led by a professional singing by Wakefield’s health and wellbeing tutor Debbie Angel, who teaches development team and are led by different singing styles with the Age UK Wakefield District. They “Providing the transport really gives aim of improving confidence and provide essential transport to people the extra push to come along, overall wellbeing. The project is an weekly supported sessions in a local as poor mobility is the main obstacle opportunity for people in Barnsley community setting. The groups in allowing them to attend groups to get involved in a social activity, aim to offer a safe and welcoming like this. As the weeks and months learn or develop a talent for singing environment which offers the chance have passed, I’ve really seen a huge and have fun at the same time. to interact and meet new people. difference. People in the group really Sharing dance heritage Each session is planned to meet the enjoy coming and they’re here every Paul Walters, WCCA development India’s needs of those attending and includes week. They talk and laugh more worker said, “The Singing for activities themed around social, and seem to be more spontaneous. Fun group is a really great way of health and wellbeing elements. They’re certainly not afraid to tell boosting confidence and getting me if they don’t think something is to know others. I get a lot of emails Pauline Howe, group support worker working either which is great!” from people who want to attend from Age UK Wakefield District, as they’ve lost their confidence; I facilitates the weekly sessions and The weekly sessions include a encourage them to come along and said, “It’s really important that older variety of activities such as boccia once they’ve taken part they really people have social contact with others and movement to music. The group enjoy attending. rather than being at home on their also has visits from speakers and own. The group offers structure interactive sessions on IT skills “Singing can have a massive impact to weekly routines and gives them including learning how to Skype! on wellbeing, it helps to improve contact with their local community mood, relieve stress and gives that would otherwise be unavailable One service user said, “I’ve made people a sense of achievement. We to them. some great companions, it’s a nice welcome anyone to come along outing each week. We’re all like old and try out a session, you don’t friends now.” have to be a professional singer - the techniques we use will work for everyone.”

Marjorie learns how The Singing for Fun group meets to use Skype every Friday 12 noon – 1pm at Worsbrough Common ICT centre in Barnsley. There is a cost of £3 per session. For more information, contact Paul Walters on 01226 249904, email [email protected] or simply come along.

The Singing for Fun group are featured in our film about Creative Minds projects in Barnsley. You can read more about the films on page 21.

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 17 18/02/2014 06:46 Current members of the group, with staff from the Insight team and Ben, the instructor at the climbing centre

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Success at the summit If you thought rock climbing could more popular activities! To date, only be done outdoors, then think over 20 climbers have taken part again! A group of talented young in the group and it has definitely people from Calderdale have exceeded our expectations. Our been working hard over the past regular members are independent 12 months to develop and hone climbers now and confident in their their climbing skills at an indoor abilities. The more experienced wall, with support from the Trust’s climbers often help new members Insight team. and those working through the vocational training.” The climbing group ‘Summit’ is regularly attended by individuals Excellence award for team As you explore the indoor climbing who have not only learnt to climb The success and positive impact walls – you can choose from a without supervision, but are also that this project has had was number of different routes to now working towards gaining recognised at the Trust’s Excellence reach the top. To choose the right recognised climbing instructor awards. The group were shortlisted one climbers have to use problem qualifications so that they can help in a category dedicated to Creative solving skills and their experience to others to learn in the future. Minds projects, and were chosen navigate through it. Julie explained as the winner by an independent that doing this often gives people Julie Metcalf, who is part of the panel of judges! a strong sense of achievement, Trust’s Calderdale Insight team boosting their self esteem. explained, “Rock climbing is not only a great form of physical running it. These experiences Thomas Nicholson, who has exercise, but it’s also an opportunity can leave people feeling socially been a regular at the group said, to develop new skills that can be isolated, so we wanted to offer “Climbing has helped me to used in everyday life. the opportunity to take part in develop as a person, enhanced an activity with others, who have social interaction and given me “We started the climbing experienced similar difficulties. This something to look forward to. It group in 2012 as an attempt to helped build their confidence and is rewarding achieving goals. I am engage young people who were reconnect in social environments. gaining a qualification and now experiencing their first episode of Our instructor Ben has been great use my expertise to support novice psychosis and have been supported at helping the group and it has climbers. It has a positive impact on by Creative Minds to continue definitely proved to be one of our all who participate.”

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 18 18/02/2014 06:46 Showing spirit in Barnsley

Spirit offers activities for people of all successfully for some time and are ages throughout Barnsley including well established in the community. To postural stability and falls prevention, enhance the sessions, Spirit now offers chair based exercise and movement to non-physical activities such as drama, music. art and entertainment as well as some social time, to help boost the wellbeing Spirit is coordinated by Shaw Lane of participants and encourage social Community Sports Association (CSA) inclusion. and is delivered by partners such as Healthy Bones, a local physical and To ensure the sustainability of the wellbeing organisation that has group and to help increase self-worth specialist knowledge and skills to share of participants, Spirit aims to involve as with others. many volunteers as possible. It is hoped over time the sessions will eventually Spirit’s sessions are open to everyone, be led by group volunteers. including people with learning disabilities, older people, people Spirit founder Bronia Warden, who recovering from mental illness, works at Healthy Bones, said “At the people recovering from strokes or same time as boosting the physical feedback is in abundance. cardiovascular conditions and people at wellbeing of participants, Spirit sessions risk of falls. are great for increasing social inclusion To find out more about Spirit and which helps reduce social isolation the sessions available, contact Bronia The activity classes, which are and loneliness. The project has proved Warden on 07895 380615 or visit recommended by local medical incredibly successful, attendance is www.healthy-bones.co.uk to see a professionals, have been running increasing each week and positive timetable of activities.

Kick about in Kirklees

Football fans in Kirklees with learning disabilities can try their hand at the beautiful game at a series of ‘fun days’ held throughout the year.

The fun days, held at The Zone in Huddersfield, offer fun and engaging activities to boost the health and wellbeing of people with a range of complex needs. A service user gets the ball rolling A kick about at the fun day The sessions provide many benefits to the wannabe Beckhams – a kick about can not only help to benefit their The sessions are run on two indoor the Trust, said: “Sport is a great health, but also increase confidence pitches – one which gives people a way of boosting self esteem and and improve their social skills. chance to play a game of five-a-side encouraging people to take part style football and develop their skills, in physical exercise. It’s also a great Four fun days are held and another which focuses on ball- way of getting people together and throughout the year associated activities. improving social integration which and are aimed at low has a positive impact on people’s ability/low fitness The group regularly hold themed wellbeing.” service users, with sessions to coincide with national activities focusing on events, such as Learning Disability Sessions will be held this year on 19 personal achievements Week and the 2012 Olympics. March, 17 June, 16 September and 9 and motor skill development. December. You can find out more by Nigel McLoughlin, clinical services contacting the Trust’s inclusion team, manager – learning disabilities at [email protected]

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 19 18/02/2014 06:46 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Making waves with Phoenix

Phoenix FM is a radio station based in Calderdale which is run and staffed by volunteers. The station has been working with the Trust as part of our Creative Minds initiative to develop workshops and activities focussed around broadcast media. Find out more about the innovative work of Phoenix FM below…

Speak your mind

The ‘speak your mind’ project gave people experiencing mental health problems the opportunity to explore new forms of expression and learn new skills by taking part in workshops aimed at developing broadcasting skills. The project was run by Phoenix Radio staff and volunteers, some of whom have first hand experience of mental health problems.

Participants had the opportunity to write and script programmes and adverts that were focussed on issues such as living a healthy lifestyle and mental health. Service |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| users were also taught about the technology used in a radio station, such as mixing desks and portable Connecting the dots recording equipment. By learning This project provides workshops for young people in foster care, giving them how to use the various pieces of the chance to voice their feelings using creative communications. Connecting equipment and produce broadcast the dots offers participants the opportunity to use radio technology and material, service users benefitted writing to create music and stories that represent their feelings. from enhanced communication skills and improved confidence. Phoenix FM offers service users an environment where they can expand Through taking part in the project, their creativity into new projects including animation, storytelling, music and service users were also given the drama. Through communication and working with others, the workshops aim chance to gain a non-accredited to have a number of positive benefits on those involved including; improved Phoenix Radio Introduction to self-esteem, enhanced communication skills and the opportunity to produce a Radio Skills Certificate. piece of work that can be accessed by other young people.

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 20 18/02/2014 06:46 Creative Recovery Creative Recovery is led by people new sense of belonging. who are passionate about finding creative ways to support and “Members call the group the promote recovery and wellbeing. Re:Sound “family” and even meet outside of normal group times to The project brings together the support each other. We’ve also work of Recovery Through Art, set up a mentoring scheme where Re:Sound, and the UPLIFT project those who are more experienced in and invites people from across playing an instrument are teaching Barnsley to attend sessions and those who have only just started. events to get creative, connect with what projects they would like to others and try something new. work on. Hayley Youell, lead artist “Creative Recovery has really made at Creative Recovery explained, a difference to people and has People involved in the project “Creative Recovery gives people a acted as a springboard to lead them have collaborated on a number of platform to express themselves. on to new things, whether it’s a ‘Creative Happenings’ including job, volunteering or a new passion, making art out of instruments and “One of the projects under the provoking a sense of hope for a playing a street piano through Creative Recovery umbrella is brighter future.” Barnsley town centre. ReSound, a music group which The group is influenced by people includes activities such as drumming To find out more about the work who attend the sessions and gives and jamming sessions. The group of Creative Recovery, search for service users the ability to choose nurtures peoples’ confidence and a Creative Recovery on Facebook.

Lights, camera, action

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Creative Minds projects have been to watch a dedicated Creative Minds a number of different ways, such as brought to life in a new series of film for each of the following areas: this magazine. Film is also a great films. The films, made by the Trust, l Barnsley way for people to actually see some showcase a number of Creative l Calderdale of the projects and hear, first hand, Minds projects and hear directly l Kirklees how we are changing lives in our from people who have benefitted. l Wakefield local communities. I’d challenge l Forensics anyone to watch these films and not There is one overview film featuring feel inspired by what they see!” a number of different interviews - In these films we take a closer look at this is a great way to quickly find projects that have been taking place out more about Creative Minds and in each of the areas. Projects range View the films at why it is making such a difference to from rock climbing to horticulture, www.creatvemindsuk.com or go to people’s lives. singing groups to football, equine www.youtube.com/swypft therapy to dance. We have also produced five short To borrow a DVD of the films get films that are specific to each of our Phil Walters, Trust lead for Creative in touch with Mark Wisbey on districts, and one for our forensic Minds explains, “We want people 01422 281317 (secure) services. So you can choose to find out about Creative Minds in

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 21 18/02/2014 06:47 The word ‘sport’ covers a whole range of different physical activities that may be played individually or as part of a team. Sport can be enjoyed by anyone, and tailored to fit people’s individual needs. It’s a great way to improve people’s physical health as well as mental wellbeing as it’s an opportunity to meet new people, make friends and give your self esteem and confidence a boost by taking part in something you enjoy. Creative Minds supports a lot of sporting activities and a selection of these are detailed below.... Good Mood Football League The Good Mood Football League enables people with an interest in football of varying levels of ability and at different stages of the rehabilitation process to access the sport.

The project holds league and cup games throughout the year and also gives service users the opportunity to gain coaching and refereeing qualifications. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Lee Radcliffe has been playing in the Good Mood League for two European tour for team and a half years. Taking part has increased Lee’s confidence which led With funding from Creative Minds, him to a life changing opportunity. a team of talented footballers who What is the EASI cup? Lee explained, “I had problems with use Trust services in Calderdale and The European Association for extreme anxiety before being a Kirklees, travelled to and competed Sport and Social Integration (EASI) part of the Good Mood League. It’s in the EASI Cup in Prague, Europe’s Cup takes place each year and is helped me to go out and make new premier mental health football a pan-European mental health friends; my anxiety is a lot better tournament. specific football tournament, now because of it. in which teams play over two The team was made up of players days in a number of competitive “Through the Good Mood League, from the Access 100 team and fixtures. Service users from the I got my football association level those who regularly play in the Trust were invited to take part 1 award in coaching and I’m Good Mood League. Three players after the football team Access 100, currently doing my level 2. Because from each team joined forces and which plays in the Trust’s Good my confidence got a lot better were supported on the trip by Sabir Mood Football League, won the by taking part, I decided to start Makda from Pathways day service in Manchester mental health football volunteering with Voluntary Action Kirklees and Debbie Nicholson from league. Calderdale. They told me about Calderdale inclusion support service. some international trips and I ended Not only was the team invited up going to Burkina Faso in Africa to represent local services at the with international services for three tournament, but also the UK. “It was a demanding challenge months football coaching. I worked taking a team of players abroad, with people of all ages and also Taking part in the tournament was a some of whom suffer anxiety delivered sessions on HIV and aids. unique sporting experience for those related illnesses and stringent risk involved as well as an opportunity assessments were required before “I’ll be taking part in the Good to boost the players confidence, we even took off. But I’m so glad we Mood League again this year; it self esteem and celebrate their did it! really proves that people can move dedication and success over the years up.” in local tournaments. “They were able to put into practice coping strategies that they have Sabir Makda explained, “It was learnt as part of their care and a fantastic opportunity for the embrace being part of a team. I’m so lads and was a completely new proud of what the players achieved. experience for people whose lives They were fantastic representatives have been affected by mental health for the Trust and the UK and were problems. Some of the team had able to cope with many of their own never even left the country before. difficulties along the way.”

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 22 18/02/2014 06:47 Continuing the What’s your Olympics legacy

To celebrate the legacy of state of mind? London 2012 and encourage more people to get involved in Using sport and education, the State sport, the Trust’s physical activity of Mind project enabled people in and development team (PADT) Barnsley to improve their mental in Barnsley hosted a special fitness and wellbeing. week of sporting activities.

This national initiative was brought The Get Active and Get Involved to Barnsley by the Trust’s physical 2013 event ran over a week, activity and development team, with different activities taking working in partnership with local place each day that people who health trainers and Action Space use Trust services as well as their Mobile. carers, family and friends could join in with. The project is based on five sessions which men over the age of 16 were Jane Baker from the team said, invited to come along to. Each “This year’s event was fantastic! session explored how physical and The Olympic Games aimed to artistic activities could be utilised encourage more people to get to help people manage difficulties involved in sport and people’s they may be experiencing while enthusiasm for this certainly improving their physical and mental seems to be continuing. It was wellbeing. lovely to see people who had taken part in our events in 2012, The sessions included: coming back again. l an assault course incorporating art and sound “This year we organised dance l a anger management workshop 10 practical tips sessions, cricket games, a that utilised drumming and to improve your football tournament and a box-ercise netball match and rounded the l a take notice stress management mental health week off with a run around the workshop with allotment activities local area.” l a food and mood cook and eat Developed with the Mental session Health Foundation, State of l a tag rugby/ football session Mind promote 10 practical tips The Physical Activity l a look at coping mechanisms and that anyone can implement to Development Team provide strategies improve their mental health. supported physical activity These are not earth shattering groups and individual sessions As well as boosting the knowledge challenges – rather simple for people who use mental and confidence of those who have changes that everyone could health services in Barnsley. attended the sessions, the project try which will make a big also aimed to increase awareness difference. They support people, regardless in the local community of mental of ability, to get involved in health, coping mechanisms that l Talk about your feelings sporting activities and build people can utilise in everyday life l Eat well their confidence so that in and ways to improve quality of life l Keep in touch the future they will be able to through improved mental fitness. l Take a break continue this independently. l Accept who you are Those who took part in the project l Keep active All activities are tailored to take were also encouraged to share what l Drink sensibly account of people’s needs and they had learnt with their friends, l Ask for help abilities and a full timetable families and sporting peers. l Do something you’re good at of those currently running is l Care for others available on the Trust website Another round of the sessions will be www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk running in 2014.

Creative Minds 23

23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 23 18/02/2014 06:47 Service users who took part in the The arts train project on display project show off their artwork

All aboard the arts train

Service users from Enfield Down 80s and 90s. Each individual in Enfield Down, which was a good took part in an arts project to the group turned a shoe box into experience for everyone involved. encourage discussions around life a train carriage which included journeys and experiences. artwork representing their “We met up with the group twice interests, journeys and aspirations. to see everyone’s progress. It was Enfield Down is an inpatient Each carriage was then placed fantastic to see the different ways unit that provides recovery and together to make a train, which that people used the boxes to rehabilitation services for people was displayed at The North Light express themselves – there were no experiencing mental health Gallery in Huddersfield as part of two the same!” problems who need a longer time a special two month exhibition to to re-establish their independence. celebrate the group’s achievement. Maragret, a service user who took The project supported groups of all part in the project, made her box generations to come together to Jenny McGuigan, an occupational to reflect the different holidays take part in the work. therapist said, “The project was a she had been on throughout great way to share experiences and her life. Margaret said, “I really Service users from Enfield Down allow service users to work with enjoyed the project. I liked the worked with Holme Valley Sharing different people. The Home Valley company, meeting new people and Memories who are all in their 70s, Sharing Memories group came to socialising.”

About the project The arts train project was shortlisted for the Trust’s 2013 Excellence Awards and came runner-up in the Creative Minds category. Mark Wisbey, Creative Minds coordinator said, “I popped along to the see the exhibition not knowing quite what to expect and it was awe-inspiring. The time and effort that had gone in to producing the work, by both young and old, the stories told and revealed, was first class.”

24 Creative Minds

23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 24 18/02/2014 06:47 Wired for wellbeing Getting

Service users from the Trust’s Inspire art group have taken part in a a-head in special sculpture project alongside Faceless, an organisation which aims to increase access to arts in the outdoors. Wakefield A mosaic sculpture created by Inspire art group is made up of decided to create a tree, which service users at the Bretton Centre people who use mental health grew over several stages. After and Newhaven in Wakefield has services provided by the Trust. initial feedback from the group, gone on display at Fieldhead. The group meets every week at the first design was deemed too Fieldhead to take part in creative scary, so was shaped to become The Trust worked alongside artist activities to help recovery and more symmetrical. The method in Amanda Wray and Artists in Mind wellbeing. Inspire welcomes which the tree was created meant (AiM) to create the sculpture, new participants from a broad that the design could still be bent which depicts a serene blue head spectrum of Trust services and shaped once complete. offering seating to showcase the including inpatient wards, day mosaics inside. treatment services and pastoral Further designs were added to care. the tree, including a heart inside AiM is a charity using the arts to the trunk which was created by support individuals experiencing The sculpture project involved a member of the inspire group. acute and enduring mental ill a series of two hour-long The finished tree has been placed health. workshops, delivered by Faceless, in the caring garden at Fieldhead where the group used aluminium and visitors are invited to write The service users took part in wire to create figurative their experiences down and hang weekly sessions creating wooden sculptures. The project gave them from the tree. profiles of their faces decorated participants the opportunity to using mosaics to express parts take part in a new creative activity The project gave of themselves, and used the alongside professional artists. skills they learnt to create the Service users explored form, scale participants the Fieldhead face. and proportion whilst producing sculptures, which they could take opportunity to take Phil Walters, head of involvement home afterwards. part in a new creative at the Trust, said: “The sculpture shows people who visit the site The workshops culminated in the activity alongside that we value creative approaches production of a life-size figure, at our Trust. which was created using the same professional artists method as the figures. The group “This helps to challenge the stigma faced by people who use our services and give the people who have participated a sense of pride in what they have achieved. The blue head in particular seems to make people smile and creates a bit of a talking point!”

Looking out over Fieldhead

A sculpture of two people dancing The finished tree on display in the made by a service users Caring Garden

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 25 18/02/2014 06:47 International developments in dance and dementia

The Trust’s ‘Centre of Excellence in Richard also recently gave a Movement, Dance and Dementia’ has presentation and workshop at a major been using Creative Minds funding It supports people to Dance Movement Psychotherapy to carry out international work to live independently Congress in Athens, and following this raise its profile and pioneer a new is now working on an international approach to the development of and nurtures their music, dance and dementia project non-pharmacological arts-based involving participants from Athens and interventions. remaining capacities Istanbul. such as singing and The project is led by Dr Richard Richard will be returning to Athens to Coaten, an experienced arts dancing run a three day workshop with a core psychotherapist, dancer, arts/health group of Greek musicians and dancers worker and trainer, and leading UK including representatives from the specialist in movement and dance and dancing. It’s really beneficial to local Alzheimer’s Society and specialist based work with older people people living with dementia.” Dementia Day Care Centres to take experiencing memory problems and the idea forward. their carers. Recently, thanks to Creative Minds funding, Richard has been able to A core group has also formed in There are many benefits of using contribute to the training of Dance Istanbul, where Richard will visit to movement, dance, song, music Movement Psychotherapists at Riga build bridges between traditional and reminiscence for older people, Stradins University in Latvia. Richard music and dance and people with including feeling empowered to gave several workshops and a lecture dementia. live life more fully; improvement of over a seven day period, teaching mood and wellbeing through physical the first year combined arts therapy In addition to this, the Dora Stratou activity; increased social interaction, students how Dance Movement Greek Dances Theatre is working and enhanced self-awareness, all of Psychotherapy works at the Trust in to secure a bid to fund a pilot which promote memory recall. the UK. programme of similar work in West Yorkshire, Greece and Turkey. It is Richard said of the arts therapy: The workshops were very well hoped that the project will contribute “It promotes an increase in received and Richard hopes that in to the employment of dancers and wellbeing and a reduction in social the future the Latvian arts therapy musicians in the field of dance and exclusion. It supports people to live students may have the opportunity to dementia in all three countries. independently and nurtures their visit the Trust’s arts therapists to see remaining capacities such as singing how training differs in the UK. Richard commented: “The ways in which participants stay in touch with |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| their cultural roots that cross national and international boundaries, together with exercising their remaining physical, psychological and emotional capabilities is really important.”

Richard is looking for circle dance and folk dance groups in West Yorkshire to take part in a project which will pioneer the use of traditional Greek, Turkish and British folk music and dance to aid dementia. If you are interested, contact Richard at [email protected]

To find out more about the work Richard does with the Centre of Excellence, visit www.dancedementiahub.co.uk

26 Creative Minds

23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 26 18/02/2014 06:47 Below: pictures by service users… Sizzle and chat Sizzle and chat aims to encourage healthy eating by adapting traditional recipes. Led by the Women’s Activity Centre in Halifax, the project primarily works with Asian women in the local community.

Over the course of six weeks, the project explores how recipes can be made with healthier alternatives and highlights the nutritional benefits of using certain ingredients. A service user’s photo from A photo taken by a service user the art room in the garden A project worker from the healthy living group is also on hand at the group to offer nutritional advice and cooking instructions. People are also encouraged to make use of the Trust’s health improvement services in Calderdale, if they think it would benefit them.

As well as nutritional and health benefits that cooking provides, the group also looks at the impact that cooking as an activity has on mental wellbeing. The sessions aim to improve mood and stress levels whilst encouraging active A bright sunflower captured by a service user A photo taken by a service participation in a social situation. user using a special filter By the end of the six sessions it is intended that: l participants will have developed Pitch perfect, pixel perfect a better understanding of the relationships between diet and There’s a snap, there’s Service users have also been health, including the impact some pop – Wakefield’s experiencing life through a lens with the this has on mental wellbeing Creative Minds funded photography aspect of the session. The l by sharing knowledge and photography and music photography class aims to teach service experience, people will have group is just missing the users how to spot a good subject for a improved their confidence and crackle! snap, allowing them to explore their increased their social contacts creativity. l families and friends of those The project gives service users on Trinity who have attended will benefit 1, a specialist mental health unit in Liam said: “The biggest confidence as the healthy lifestyle message Wakefield, the chance to take part in boost for the service users is seeing their and learning is brought back to a meaningful activity by taking photos photos printed out so they can see all the home environment. and making music. the detail they’ve captured. Once the course has finished, The Oasis music room at Fieldhead “The sense of achievement of holding a it is estimated that around 200 provides a space for service users to CD in your hand that you have created people will have benefited from unleash their inner musician and or standing back and seeing a photo the project. Friends and relatives activities facilitator Liam Gill helps the on the wall that you had taken time of those taking part will also be group to write, record and produce and effort to get just how you wanted, invited to attend open days and their own songs using computer despite all the emotional odds being demonstrations led by course software, as well as teaching them against you, helps to bring back some of participants. simple chords on the guitar. that self esteem and confidence that we all need to help us through the day.”

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 27 18/02/2014 06:47 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Changing landscapes in Calderdale

A creative arts workshop based in “At the beginning of the project, B Calderdale is not only ‘Changing Verd de Gris was very depressed and withdrawn. Landscapes’, but is also hoping to Verd de Gris is a not-for-profit She also showed signs of physical change the perception of the level company based in Hebden Bridge, weakness and had hand tremors. of creativity dementia sufferers can which works to develop a range B didn’t fully engage with other experience. of stimulating and meaningful women within the group and projects for older people. As well during general conversation she ‘Changing Landscapes’, run by as creating opportunities for looked distracted and sad – she not-for-profit organisation Verd de artistic expression it advocates seemed lost in her own thoughts Gris, gives older people the chance new ways of working and and memories. But as a result of to get involved with engaging and responds to the needs of older Changing Landscapes B changed in innovative creative activities in people. many ways and on many different order to improve their quality of levels. life, health, and social wellbeing. “Physically she became much Each workshop is free and caters The workshops take place in day stronger and she began to ask for a broad range of people aged and residential care, community for specific exercises that she over 50 from diverse cultures and centres and other venues agreed by needed to strengthen different ethnicities looking to develop partners. parts of her body. She particularly their creative skills and contribute enjoyed working on her upper something positive to the Dance worker Natalie Speake body strength and chest stretches. community. Verd de Gris works explained the benefits ‘Changing B particularly enjoys doing the closely with local partners to assess Landscapes’ had on one service user, ‘leaf’ dance, which involves shaking and evaluate the changing needs of an older woman from the South the hands like a leaf. It seemed care in Calderdale and reflects this Asian community who attended to be a very positive and creative in their approach. Verd de Gris’ creative sessions at the experience for her.” Asian Women’s Centre in Halifax: Emphasis in the workshops is placed on supporting people experiencing early signs of dementia and people over 60 experiencing social isolation and therefore at a greater risk …she seemed lost of developing mental health in her own thoughts problems. ‘Changing Landscapes’ aims to target this with a creative and memories. approach, offering visual arts, dance and movement, creative But as a result of writing and reminiscence exercises Changing Landscapes to the service users. B changed in many The work has been supplemented by a pilot staff training ways and on many programme and a 5-week different levels enrichment programme for students at a local high school, designed to engage care staff and students in the debate surrounding culture, ageing and social care.

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 28 18/02/2014 06:47 Vivify – creativity on display

Vivify is a partnership project explored the YSP. the YSP, the artistic creations of those between the Yorkshire Sculpture Park who have taken part in previous Vivify (YSP) and the Trust’s older people’s “This project has proved really popular workshops went on display for new service in Wakefield. with participants, who’ve explained participants as well as public visitors that it’s given them the chance to to the park to see. The next leg of the The project, based on community meet others, visit the YSP and find tour will see the exhibition moved engagement, offers people the new ways to express themselves.” to the Mental Health Museum at opportunity to attend a series of Fieldhead in Wakefield. hands on sculpture and 2D arts To highlight the impact that this workshops inspired by the art and project has had and share the fantastic To find out more about the project landscape of the YSP. work that people have created using contact Rosanna Ward, activity wood, clay and paint, an exhibition co-ordinator at the Trust, Two artists from the YSP learning tour was planned. Stopping first at [email protected] team actively engage people during the workshops, using tools and techniques to encourage people to get involved.

Paula Rylatt, a specialist practitioner at the Trust who was heavily involved in the creation of this project explained, “We have been working successfully with the learning team at the YSP for a number of years now and the Vivify project has gone from strength to strength. Each year a different group of people are invited to join the project, take trips to the YSP and try their hand at some creative activities during the workshops.

“The materials that people have produced are breath-taking and are unique representations of what Artistic creations on display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park that person felt and thought as they

Taking to the stage in Barnsley

Adults with learning disabilities in a theme for the development of a turnout for the show which gave Barnsley had their taste of fame new theatre production. everyone a real confidence boost. thanks to a project led by Cross the Sky (CTS) Theatre Company. Members of CTS worked in “The project gives people with partnership with students from learning disabilities the opportunity CTS gives adults with learning Barnsley College to develop a play to perform original work that disabilities who are interested called ‘Would Like to Meet’ which they’ve helped to devise. Taking in the arts the chance to take included original songs written by part and seeing the work they’ve part in creative workshops led by the group. The project culminated created come together is a real professional artists. The workshops with a short performance of the sense of achievement for everyone involve singing, song writing, dance, play at the Barnsley Civic, which was involved.” film production and direction attended by around 130 people. among other activities. To engage If you would like to join CTS, they people in theatre production, Cath Smart, project leader at are currently looking to recruit new people taking part in the project CTS said, “The project was really members. For more information call are also given the chance to outline successful, we had a fantastic 01226 391112.

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23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 29 18/02/2014 06:47 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| What’s next…

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| …for Creative Minds?

2014 is a very important ethos in to our service delivery year in the life of Creative offers across the organisation. The Minds because in November Academy approach will support it will be three years since the organisation to implement we launched the Strategy. creative approaches in to everyday practices and provide a platform Creative Minds has developed for sharing Creative Minds a comprehensive programme ideas and products externally, of creative projects and it’s potentially providing income for become a social movement the Trust. The Academy could that participants feel have a formal position within ownership of. the Creative Minds Strategy and report into the governance of Over the next six months I will be the organisation. This will also looking to review the progress allow Creative Minds as a social we’ve made since 2011, showcase community, improving the quality movement to innovate and grow. and celebrate the talents of of people’s lives and providing project participants and set the the building blocks for better self- The Creative Minds Academy direction for mainstreaming generated health outcomes in the could also work with the emerging Creative Minds into the core future. recovery colleges at the Trust; business of our organisation. providing activities that form part The breadth of projects we For some people, participating of the formal teaching curriculum have seen developed has been creatively can raise aspirations and and sessions offered as extra incredible; to date we have help them to develop feelings of curriculum activities. delivered over 150 creative pride and self-worth. The sense of projects in partnership with over achievement that can be found in There are many projects within 50 community organisations/ creativity, gives people a chance to Creative Minds that are service groups, benefitting over 3000 start to move away from negative user led and the Academy people. The projects have helped patterns and start to write a new approach will be an opportunity participants to increase their story. to extend this, enabling and confidence, boost their self- supporting more people to run esteem, increase their social skills, We are also starting to see how their own groups should they experience an improved quality this work is impacting on working wish to. of life and supported community practices at the Trust. Creative Minds is integration. generating compassionate community Creative Minds is a community and hospital environments where development holistic approach Creative Minds has provided a everyone is encouraged to engage which has produced committed framework for enabling creative for mutual benefit. Through Creative partners and empowered partnerships to flourish across Minds, members of our staff are enthusiastic stakeholders and I the Trust’s communities in playing football, singing in the same hope you will all continue with Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and choir and painting with people who your fantastic support over the Wakefield. We have harnessed use our services. coming years. a shared passion for the arts, music, dance, drama, sports, crafts and leisure activities So, where do we go and developed a belief that P hil creativity should be at the heart from here? of recovery focused services. We are looking at developing a Phil Walters Creative Minds Academy at the Trust, This approach has promoted Head of involvement which will provide the infrastructure the inclusion of people who and inclusion use our services into the wider to implement the Creative Minds

30 Creative Minds

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Join Creative Minds today! An invitation to become our partner Throughout this magazine we’ve showcased innovative and forward thinking projects that have used creative activities to enable people to make a difference to their lives.

As we continue in our commitment to offer health services that utilise creativity in their approaches, we invite established voluntary/non-profit creative organisations and smaller community and self-help groups to help us do this by becoming our creative partners.

As a creative partner, you will work with the Trust to deliver transformative, meaningful and inspirational projects for people who use our services and their carers.

If you become a creative partner, the Trust can offer you a number of levels of support including:

• an opportunity to apply for financial contribution to enable you to deliver the project • networking opportunities • help with marketing and publicity • information • training of Trust staff to deliver the project

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with us using the contact details below.

An invitation for Trust staff Dawn Stephenson, director of corporate development at the If your team has developed a project which will enable people you Trust explained, work with to improve their wellbeing, in an engaging, innovative and creative way, then why not consider applying for support from the “The use of creative activities in Creative Minds strategy to get it up and running. healthcare has been shown to increase self-esteem, provide a sense There are lots of teams and members of staff across the Trust already of purpose, develop social skills, help delivering projects in ward environments and community settings with community integration and improve support from Creative Minds, helping people to reach their potential service users’ quality of life. and access the support they need. “The Creative Minds Strategy Get in touch using the contact details below and we’ll explain funding enshrines how the Trust aims to, by working in collaboration, share opportunities and support available. good practice and build strong partnerships with community Contact us organisations

Please get in touch with us to find out more about our work, ask “We really want to encourage local questions or just to let us know what you think of this magazine! groups to get involved with Creative Minds. This is a great opportunity Email us: [email protected] to work with the NHS to provide excellent creative projects for the Call us: 01924 328656 people who access our services.”

Tweet us: @allofusinmind

Follow us: www.facebook.com/allofusinmind Look for our Trust at: www.LinkedIn.com C aer evit sdniM

www.creativemindsuk.com Creative Minds 31

23065 CreativeMinds spring2014 CC.indd 31 18/02/2014 06:47 None of us know when we may need support from the NHS Job no. 5767 Feb 2014 That’s why our services are developed with all of us in mind

www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk @allofusinmind

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