Mental Wellbeing: Creativity & Mental Health

In Rochdale we have many fine examples of how creativity can help people become more resilient to the challenges presented by mental health issues. Challenges that appear to be both more prevalent and better recognised in our borough and across the UK.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that 1 in 4 of us will have problems with our mental wellbeing at some time. To be more specific, The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey reports that nearly half (43.4%) of adults think that they have had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life (35.2% of men and 51.2% of women). A fifth of men (19.5%) and a third of women (33.7%) have had diagnoses confirmed by professionals.

In Rochdale 14.5% of patients aged 18 or over on GP practice registers are recorded as having depression. This is above the national average of 9.1% (NHS Quality Outcomes Framework 2016/17).

10th October 2019

Poor mental health can impact on every aspect of life, including how we feel, think and communicate as well as on our physical health, our employment chances, our educational attainment, our relationships, lifestyle choices, and risk behaviours.

Creativity is increasingly being deployed as therapy for the mind across the whole spectrum of the arts from writing to making music, dancing to painting, gardening to baking, in fact whatever floats the creative boat.

Creative activities as therapy for the mind builds resilience to mental health issues in many ways including:

Relieving stress - like yoga for the brain. Even simply observing creativity can decrease psychological stress, such as attending a concert, checking out a museum, or reading.

Improving mood - the self-reflection and greater understanding of oneself that comes with being creative can increase control over emotional pain and depression as well as boosting self-confidence and a feeling of wellbeing through achievement.

Cultivating a social life - bonding through common experiences and interests develops positivity and affirmation, improved social contact, and communication with others. A healthy social life is essential to our wellbeing and resilience.

One of an increasing number of successful examples in Rochdale is SWCT (Stories We Could Tell). A project funded by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale NHS CCG that provides a town centre based project for young people to develop their resilience to the mental health challenges they face and may face in the future through engaging with their creativity.

It was formed in 2015 to provide a communal safe space for young people with an offer that engages them in creativity on their terms. Although SWCT members include young people (aged 11-24) who face mental health related challenges in their lives, the aim is to identify and enable them to develop their individual assets rather than focussing on their needs and problems.

Members are drawn from the whole spectrum of Rochdale’s diverse communities and many join the project through SWCT’s social media presence and at the recommendation of members themselves. SWCT works closely with partner organisations across the borough, including: #Thrive, MIND, CAMHS, Barnardo’s, local schools & colleges.

Members are encouraged and supported to work alongside local artists and technicians to develop their creativity across the whole spectrum of the arts and to share what they create in their own way. This gives members a voice to which the wider community is encouraged to listen through local print media, internet radio, social media and public performance.

Members are also given access to events and activities at such as Touchstones Museum and Art Gallery, Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Oldham Coliseum and Bolton Octagon. To find out more about SWCT visit www.swct.co.uk

Other local organisations working to help people build resilience to mental health challenges include:

Skylight Circus Arts The 'Side by Side' project aims to address mental health and wellbeing for children, young people and families by providing healthy circus activities in a safe environment. It provides opportunities for ‘disengaged’ young people to build their confidence, to be less anxious and less isolated. 'Silver Circus' is a creative circus project for the over 55’s including those that that are frail or suffer from more severe health conditions. The project addresses isolation and loneliness. It aims to improve and maintain physicality, motor skills, cognitive skills whilst enhancing social connections and interactions. www.skylightcircusarts.com

#Thrive Ecotherapy by Sow The City - A horticultural and environmental therapy programme for young people aged 0-19 years, in Rochdale. www.sowthecity.org/thrive%20ecotherapy.htm

The Proud Trust Home of LGBT+ youth - a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps young people empower themselves to make a positive change for themselves and their communities. www.theproudtrust.org

Castleton Health and Leisure CIC Enlightening support children and families to feel good, with projects such as Baby Mindful, Relax Kids, Feel Good Too, StressBusters in schools. www.enlightening.org.uk

Rochdale Mind www.rochdalemind.org.uk

Barnardo’s www.barnardos.org.uk

M6 Theatre www.m6theatre.co.uk

Steve Cooke Arts Columnist

Steve Cooke