As part of the NHS response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have made changes to the services we provide
We have adapted our usual programme to support our service users and staff. For details of all our current projects and activities, please see:
Where There's Art There's Hope
You can also access all of our online resources here:
Arts for Health Resources
This is an easy way to find links to our music and art tutorial videos which have been created by some of our practitioners who would under normal circumstances be leading groups on the wards, our walking trail map for St George's, our online Art and Word Galleries and downloadable arts activity sheets.
Arts for Health are passionate about the importance of the arts in healthcare and the difference it can make to the experiences of our service users and staff. We work with artists, musicians, writers and other creative professionals to deliver stimulating activities for service users. We are often involved with new building or refurbishment projects and work with clinical staff and partners in the community to maintain a high quality delivery. We work closely with the Spirituality team and support the equality, diversity and anti-stigma agendas.
Image credit: Rocio Diaz-Molina, To all the beautiful souls that this virus took away and to all the families who lost their loved ones.
Why 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.
The Arts for Health Team
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.
Eleanor Babb - Project Co-ordinator
Eleanor has an expertise in photography and has helped established our Photo Box scheme. Eleanor has worked for many years as a freelance photographer and artist within a range of community and education projects. She has worked at the Trust since 2010.
Helen Wilson - Project Co-ordinator
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.
Partnerships
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.
Fundraising
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 the work of the Trust within the Arts for Health field can donate here:
Visit or charity donation page
Our Tweets...
MPFTArts for Health @arts_mpft
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1 month ago
hoorah....here is the MPFT Christmas Celebration video bringing the joy of song, children, beautiful music, reflection and prayer to our community of lovely people.....Merry Christmas from Arts for Health, Spirituality and the Trust. x youtube.com/watch?v=6F5fZT…
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3 months ago
Arts for Health v excited to receive Rainbow Butterfly print from Damien Hirst! (Print sales raised 1.5m for NHS charities, with copies gifted to selected NHS Trusts inc MPFT). Ours will go on tour to nurses’ stations for staff to enjoy… @ArtForHospitals @arts_mpft @MHwardsmpft
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4 months ago
Arts for Health has been shortlisted for the BBH awards!!! - responding positively and effectively to Covid 19 to continue to support our inpatients, service users and carers with creativity - but we can't afford to go to the event where the finalists will be chosen!!
Our News...
We have been working in partnership with Virgin and West Midlands Trains to enhance Stafford Station with artwork based on the theme - What Makes You Feel Happy and Safe.
Arts for Health Contact Details
Jessica Kent - Arts for Health Lead
Redwoods Centre, Somerby Drive,
Shrewsbury SY3 8DS
Helen Wilson - Project Worker
St. George's Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford ST16 3AG
Eleanor Babb - Project Worker
St, George's Hospital, Corporation Street,
Stafford ST16 3AG
Diana Buckle - Administrator
Redwoods Centre, Somerby Drive,
Shrewsbury SY3 8DS