Arts on Prescription Programme

One of the amazing (and unsung) projects that we are involved in as part of the Arts in Libraries offer is us working with the Alef Trust to help deliver the Arts on Prescription programme, Creative Alternatives, which is funded by our friends in the Public Health service in St Helens Council. Public Health and Arts Council England have now funded this project for over 10 years, and we work closely with Matt and Emily in Public Health, together with Helen and Jessica from the Alef Trust, to give local residents living with mild to moderate anxiety, depression and/or stress the chance to take part in our free arts and wellbeing programme. We could tell you lots more about it, but rather than doing that, we wanted you to hear first-hand from one of the participants, Kris, as he tells you in his own words, how the programme has helped him.

Kris took part in Creative Alternatives during 2024. This is his CA story in his own words...

2020 was a difficult year for many; myself included, though my own struggles and the COVID-19 pandemic shared little except a time-frame. Within a few weeks, I lost my adoptive home in Canada, my dream job in harm reduction in the North American opioid crisis and I landed back in the UK via a short stint in a psychiatric ward in Vancouver. Four years on, and I'm still trying to rebuild my life and my sense of self.

In 2024, I picked up a leaflet for Creative Alternatives (CA) during an appointment and asked to be referred. It would be some time until I'd realise the extent of the good decision I'd just made, and the impact that CA would have on my sense of well-being.

When I was referred to CA, I wasn't under an apprehension that it would be a cure for the slew of psychiatric symptoms I'd been diagnosed with. But I felt encouraged by the idea of carving out some time for myself, where I could work on my well-being outside of the mundane, often disappointing clinical settings. After harrowing experiences with the NHS, CA felt like it could offer, well, a creative alternative, or at the very least a distraction from daily struggles.

I felt nervous when entering my first CA session. Attempting anything creative or original can evoke feelings of vulnerability, especially if you're as artistically bereft as I am. And because the sessions were designed to improve well-being, I also worried about a potential expectation to share personal issues in an unfamiliar group environment.

However, these anxieties were quickly dispelled. While some of the sessions touched on challenges in life, much of their benefit came from paradoxically not focussing on these challenges, and instead creating a safe, calm environment, wherein mental tension naturally unwinds as a byproduct of enjoying some quality, guilt-free, restorative time in a supportive space. The Artist Facilitators were so knowledgeable of their craft, always picking projects that built on simple skills to produce surprisingly satisfying creations that added a dimension of achievement to the sessions.

As my time on the programme progressed, I found myself increasingly looking forward to the sessions -- being unemployed, often the days and weeks can blur into an amorphous span of time, so having the weekly anchor of CA helped to keep me grounded. It gave me a sense of responsibility: it was a privilege to take part in the programme, and I wanted to respect that.

I also looked forward to meeting with the other participants in the group and hearing their stories. It was a genuine surprise how open and welcoming my group members were -- there was practically no noticeable unease or uncertainty and, while I can't speak for others, I got the distinct feeling that we quickly made each other feel comfortable and welcomed during the sessions.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of my experiences with CA is also the very first thing that struck me as unusual about it: the genuine care and empathy expressed by its staff. From my first on-boarding conversation with Helen, I felt listened to and cared for in a way that felt alien in contrast to the cold and perfunctory treatment felt by many mental health sufferers during, for instance, doctors' appointments. It was the first time since returning to the UK where I didn't feel like I had to justify my own existence at a healthcare/governmental appointment. My interactions with Helen, Steph, Sian, Sarah, and Hazel, have made me realise that CA's people are absolutely intrinsic to the quality of the service it offers.

By looking back at my time at CA, I hope to convince the reader of the essentiality of Creative Alternatives and the service it offers, and why I believe CA's funding and viability should be a priority for any community that wishes to safeguard the well-being of its vulnerable members. CA has demonstrated and reminded me of the importance of taming negative or defeatist inner monologue, and of the benefits that come from prioritising activities that I know will make me feel good. Conversely, ensuring I take time for myself has had the benefit that I feel more able to focus on the more regimented and focus-demanding aspects of life. Even on particularly dark days, I never once left a CA session in a bad mood, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

We are going to be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Creative Alternativesin St Helens in 2025 with some special events, so keep an eye out for these on our website as the year goes on. If you know anyone who might benefit from this programme, please contact Helen Holden, Programme Manager for Creative Alternatives: helen@creativealternatives.org.uk  or call Helen on 07745 590 698.

Finally, if after reading the blog you have been affected by anything and need support for your mental health here are some of the numbers you can contact:

• Merseycare - 0800 051 1508 (crisis support)
• NHS 111 - Option Mental Health (urgent support)
• Talking Therapies St Helens - Call: 01744 647 100 (non-urgent support)
• Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 telephone support) 
• Text support - text the word SHOUTto 85258

Or for further information about suicide prevention in St Helens please visit: www.oktoaskcampaign.co.uk