Hello AOP-ers,
It is with deep regret that we
won’t be running any more courses, please read the Press Release below about
the reasons why. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the
people that we have worked with over the years that have helped make this such a worthwhile
project and a big thank you to all of you that have attended courses.
The Arts on Prescription Team.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arts on
Prescription
A lack of funding has resulted
in the closure of the Arts on Prescription project in Pendle, Burnley and the
Ribble Valley which is managed and operated by Pendle Leisure Trust.
Due to
changes made by Lancashire County Council and the end of Target Wellbeing
funding, Pendle Leisure Trust’s Arts Development Team can no longer provide the
project and has expressed great concern over the vulnerable people that will be
affected by this.
Pendle
Leisure Trust’s Arts Development Manager, Kirsty Rose Parker, said: “Target
Wellbeing came to an end in May and this has left us with a £30,000 annual
deficit, therefore we have had to make the difficult decision to cease
providing this popular and successful programme. In the last few years we have
worked with around 250 individuals each year and it is hard to think of what
will happen to them in the future.
“If we
were able to get other funding, then we would be able to continue.”
Arts on
Prescription provided art courses free of charge to adults suffering from
depression, anxiety, isolation and low self-esteem. Courses include crafts,
drawing, painting, creative writing, cookery, cake baking and textiles.
People
were not asked their reasons for attending, but were encouraged to set
themselves goals to achieve during the courses, which led to them meeting new
friends, gaining confidence and learning new skills.
Comments
from some of the people who have attended the courses include: “It gave me a chance
to learn new things, meet people and most of all gave me hope for the future”;
“It took me away from troublesome thinking and gave me a purpose in life”;
“Being part of a group, where we were all on the same level was great” and “I
have gone back to work full time thanks to the confidence I regained attending
the course”.
Running
across Pendle, Burnley, and the Ribble Valley, the project has worked with
individuals who signed themselves up for the courses and health agencies
wanting to refer people – from a referral database of over 300 health and
support workers.
Kirsty
added: “Since the project started in 2007, we have worked with over 1,200
people and 114 of those have returned to employment, which is a fantastic
achievement. In the eight years, 1020 people have learnt new skills, 480 people
went on to study or joined a group to continue being creative and learning and
72% of the people continue to make art at home.”
One
referral partner who frequently refers her cancer patients to the project, Dr
Ailyn Garley, Clinical Psychologist with Cancer Services at Burnley General
Hospital, said: “Some cancer survivors need to work on managing their mood and
anxiety and rebuild their quality of life after their cancer experience. For
some cancer survivors groups such as Arts on Prescription are vital for making
new links in the community. Arts on Prescription can help to give structure,
meaning and enjoyable experiences that are a break from the difficulties of
everyday life and separate from any medical or health concerns.”
Another
referral partner, Rik Entwistle, a Support, Time and Recovery Worker from
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Focusing on artistic activities
takes our minds away from negativity, it benefits our well-being and allows
friendships to develop naturally.
“I was
disappointed to hear that Arts on Prescription is without funding. Introducing
people who are isolated, vulnerable and lonely to the project was one of the
first things I suggested our clients try when helping them help themselves. I
think the project needs to find funding ASAP as its importance as a resource is
paramount in moving people towards independent and happier lives.”
Phil
Storey, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust added: “This innovative project
was unique in the area when it first started and has transformed the lives of a
lot of people who have attended the classes. It will be such a shame for it to
finish, but we simply do not have the funding for it to carry on.
“Unfortunately
I do not think this will be the last scheme we see suffer from a lack of
funding, as the continuous cuts on grants start to bite. I fear that not only
projects like this are under threat, but also facilities as well. It will be a
very sad day if a leisure facility is closed in the future.
“The
benefits that leisure facilities, events and projects have on people’s lives,
both from a health and well-being value, should not be underestimated.”
