What we offer
Run by a team of clinicians and artists, Arts in Health has successfully devised and delivered a wide range of innovative projects and programmes since 2010. This includes working with partnership organisations to co-produce short term artist-led projects, while continuing our longstanding programme of regular creative activities.
Participants can attend sessions for up to a year. They will be supported to think about any aims they might have and will have a 1:1 review later in the year to reflect on personal development and next steps. Our termly Community Table is a meeting space providing time outside of our creative sessions to understand participants' needs, listen to feedback and share signposting opportunities.
The aims of our service are:
- To be an inclusive space
- To improve access to the arts
- To make a positive difference for adults with lived experience of mental health difficulties
Referrals to Arts in Health are currently open. If you would like to find out more about joining our service or about the referral process, please email us on cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net
We work with adults who have been accessing treatment through the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHHs) and acute secondary Mental Health services, to support their ongoing mental health and wellbeing. This can be during or up to six months after discharge from CNWL mental health services.
We work with those living in Central London (Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster) and North West London (Brent, Harrow, and Hillingdon).
We are currently accepting new referrals for our term starting September 2024.
If you meet our eligibility criteria and are interested in participating in our service, please email us and we will register your interest. With your permission, we will then contact your CNWL lead professional so they can refer you.
If you are a CNWL professional, please email us and we will direct you to the Arts in Health referral page on Trustnet, where you can find further details and a referral form.
Any questions? Please email the Arts in Health team on cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net
Click on a face to learn more about the team.
Who runs the Arts in Health sessions?
The Arts in Health team are a warm and welcoming mixture of therapists, mental health practitioners, and artists, supported by volunteers with an interest in mental health and the arts. More information about us can be found in the 'Our Team' section above.
Can I join remotely?
Yes, we run an Online Studio on Zoom, alongside our in-person activities. This is subject to sufficient interest from participants.
Do I have to join every session?
We encourage joining regularly to gain the most benefit and provide support to those struggling to attend. As places are limited, those who regularly don’t attend may be discharged.
Do I need a background in art to join?
No experience in art is necessary, just an open mind and a willingness to take part. We have lots of ideas and ways to help you to be creative, at a pace that works for you.
Do I have to share my artwork with others?
We love to see what you create, but there is no pressure to share your artwork with us or the group. We invite participants to include their artwork in our annual exhibition.
Are you currently hiring staff or honoraries?
We have an ongoing, rolling application open for Honorary Project Workers. These are voluntary team members able to travel to Greater London that can offer up to one day a week (flexible on hours), on a Monday or Thursday, to support the running of our service in person and remotely. Flexible working is offered with some team zoom meetings.
Honoraries are typically trainee therapists or mental health practitioners looking to gain more experience working in the creative arts, mental health, or participatory engagement. Please email us to express your interest or find out more about how to apply.
How do I contact you if I have other questions?
Please email the Arts in Health team on cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net
Our news
Our News
Previous collaborations
Organisations CNWL Arts in Health has previously collaborated with:
Address
Roundwood Resource Centre
Harlesden Road
London
NW10 3RY
Telephone: 020 8438 1740
Email: cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net
What our service users say
“Being part of the online studios has given me an opportunity to be myself by being able to express my thoughts and feelings through artwork.”
“My social interaction has been improved by Friday Studios. It’s very welcoming and no one is excluded."
“CNWL Arts in Health is a no-pressure group and it's a more secure place if you find it hard to mix with others. It's more comfortable than a group where no one knows who you are. This helps without having to explain too much.”