Arts for Health

Arts for health is all about the positive effect that active engagement with the arts can have on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.  We aim to support the recovery of service users, both as inpatients and in the community.

Engaging in the arts can provide:

• Distraction from mental health issues
• Social interaction with other people
• increased confidence
• chance to learn new skills
• renewed self-esteem
• connections with people
• the opportunity to be treated as a person rather than a patient
• opportunities for people to shine and discover the skills, creativity and potential they have

 We work in partnership with the Facilities and Estates to create artwork for any new ward developments and buildings – to enhance the environment for service users, carers, visitors and staff.

Jessica Kent - Arts Lead

Jessica has a background in arts project management previously working for over 15 years in education and community settings as a project manager and consultant. Within a health setting, she previously was Arts Manager for the Cancer Centre Arts Programme at the Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Jessica has worked for the Trust developing the arts programme since 2009 and as Arts Lead since 2011.

Owen Hurcombe - Digital and Communications Project Worker

Owen has worked in the arts for many years, including roles with Staffs County Council, Creative Health CIC, The Brewhouse Arts Centre and Derby QUAD.  Owen is responsible for all aspects of marketing, publicity, communications and funding and joined the Trust in 2021. 

Helen Wilson - Project Worker

Helen’s background is in dance and she has worked in the arts and learning sector for local authorities, theatres and health organisations.  She has managed arts and cultural activities in the community and health sector and has worked at the Trust since 2012.

Diana Buckle - Administrator

Diana has worked in wide variety of administrative roles including work for BBC Radio and as a legal secretary.  She is also a musician and music teacher and values the role of the arts in wellbeing.  She has worked at the Trust since 2012.  

Arts for Health works in partnership with a range of arts organisations, professional artists and third sector organisations including:

Local authorities, schools, colleges, universities and museums throughout the region, Age Concern, Alzheimer's Society, Mind, Designs in Mind, The Rotary Club, Arts Council England, CASS Carers Association, Visual Arts Network, Craftspace Birmingham, Barchester Homes, Live Music Now, Network Rail, Samantha Maritza Trust, The Hive, Make Some Noise and Creative Inspiration.

Funding has been raised through the following organisations:

Big Lottery, Arts Council England, Local Authorities, National Youth Music, Postcode Lottery, and retailer schemes at Tesco’s, Asda, Co-op and Waitrose.

Anyone interested in supporting our work can do so here: donate to Arts for Health.