Free resource for arts in health

The new Arts, Culture and Mental Health module introduces learners to the value of arts and culture for mental health.

The module takes around 30 minutes to complete and demonstrates how the arts and creative interventions can be viable options for mental health service provision, shares key resources to raise awareness of the evidence and what options are available, and provides activities and ideas for how to incorporate arts and culture into every day practice.

With interactive sections, videos and lessons from how we spent our time during the pandemic, the module also supports understanding of the broader applications of the arts and culture in public health.

Who is it for?

The module is aimed at professionals working with children and young people in Greater Manchester. This can be in any sector, from CAMHS to education to social care to voluntary, and at any level.

One aim with this module and our programme is to support the workforce to appreciate that broadening the offer to include arts and culture can enable improved mental health outcomes, and signpost colleagues to ideas, practical resources and organisations in their borough of Greater Manchester.

You can find out more about the wider programme in previous posts including evaluation, tests of concepts and background and how to get involved.

How does this support children, young people and families’ mental health?

The THRIVE model is a person-centred, needs-led approach that emphasises strengths and interests to engage a child and their family or system around them. For such innovative, strengths-based offer to be effective, all sectors must be involved to better prevent the development of poor mental health, improve engagement where support is needed, and improve outcomes.

Access the module here. To receive free monthly resources from the GM i-THRIVE Arts, Culture and Mental Health programme team sign up here. The archives can be accessed here.