Art workshops at the Holburne Museum in Bath are helping to improve the lives of local people with mental health problems, thanks to National Lottery players.
The Holburne Museum’s ‘Pathways to Wellbeing’ project supports people with mental health problems through creative workshops.
The initiative, which was awarded £95,295 of National Lottery funding in May 2016, helps people cope with mental health problems by creating pieces of artwork, which are later exhibited in the museum during special events.
Andrew Peacock, 53, first attended Pathways to Wellbeing three years ago, after a local charity persuaded him to join.
“They had to drag me there kicking and screaming but I’m so glad that they did,” he said.
“I’ve been sleeping rough for the past 12 years and everything I own is hard-earnt and cherished. A piece of paper or a pen to me is precious. I’d never done any kind of art before coming to this project, but I’ve really progressed and it’s a lot of fun.”
Andrew was inspired by Pathways to Wellbeing to create pieces of art using an app on his mobile phone, which had previously been provided to him by a local charity. He has now made more than 2,000 designs.
“I found that I could draw on my phone and I’d sit in the woods for six hours a night creating art. The workshops, including visits from amazing artists, have encouraged me to push boundaries and try different stuff,” said Andrew.
“During one of the workshops I learnt papercutting techniques from a specialist artist, then in my spare time I used Bath Central Library as a workspace.”
Andrew held his own art show at the library after staff saw the work he was creating there. He displayed more than 50 pieces of his work and hopes to hold more of his own exhibitions in the future.
“I’ve also designed a Christmas card for Holburne Museum which was sold in their shop. I decided that all proceeds should go back into the project to help others like me. I’m currently working on designing a display of fans to be featured in the museum’s café.”
Over the past year, more than £217 million of National Lottery funding was distributed to mental health related projects across the UK.
James Harcourt, Big Lottery Fund Director of England Grant Making, said: “As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, we think it’s really important to share the positive impact that National Lottery funding has on the lives of people with mental health problems.
“It’s thanks to National Lottery players that Pathways to Wellbeing is able to offer new opportunities and build the confidence and skills of many people like Andrew. We’re delighted to be funding such an amazing project to expand its work and bring more people together at Holburne Museum.”
“Our aim is to change the way people see museums. They are a place of wellbeing and a community resource, where everyone and anyone is welcome.
“Mental health is not something that can be quickly fixed. People with mental health problems need time and a routine, as well as somewhere they feel accepted and belong. Pathways to Wellbeing offers just that.”
Andrew now volunteers for Pathways to Wellbeing, acting as a mentor to other participants.
“After two years of working with the project, I realised that people in the group needed more help than me, so I sit with them and show them my work to give them ideas,” he said.
“The project has changed the way I am with other people and has shown me that I enjoy helping others. That’s what National Lottery funding can do and I want to say thank you.
“I’m still living in a tent but here I am smiling and giving something back to the community.”
1 Comment
Ryan
Friday 19th May, 2017 at 21:55Put a crowdfunding platform on it and have proceeds benefit mental health recipients problem solved 🙂