Working with Merseycare
In 2007-2008 SAFE delivered an arts and health participatory programme with Occupational Therapy staff and people supported by Mersey Care NHS Trust, Broadoak Unit. Technical support was also received from the Pottery and Steelwork vocational support departments of Ashworth Hospital. The project was funded by The King’s Fund.
SAFE worked with over 35 people accessing services in the design and subsequent making of a water feature for the Unit’s inner courtyard garden. Engaging with people around the design themes commenced months before any actual construction. The central design theme of water and how it has shaped different cultures was deeply researched and expressed by all involved, e.g. Koi Carp, a Japanese symbol of perseverance and strength in overcoming obstacles and difficulties.
“Work in the mosaic has proved to be extremely therapeutic for the services users involved, particularly in helping to develop motivation, self esteem and creative skills and expression”
Ann Gallagher, Head Occupation Therapist
This partnership work with Mersey Care made a deep and lasting impression upon the facilitators involved. It was of key significance in SAFE beginning to take a more strategic interest in the arena of Arts, Health and Wellbeing and the opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those accessing health and social care services.
From 2008/2009 SAFE has:
- Invested in a new position of Arts & Health Development Officer with support from StepClever (South Sefton & North Liverpool Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) and Department of Health (Social Enterprise Investment Fund)
- Begun to work in partnership with a major North West health and social care provider
- Invested in skills and internal capacity to deliver new services, e.g. Arts & Dementia – Nurturing a Positive View of Ageing
- Started to focus on creative opportunities inherent within the Self Directed Support (Personalisation of Services) agenda
- Trialled a Learning & Development partnership with VOICE Social Marketing (see attached pdf)
- Remain committed to establishing a significant Arts, Enterprise & Wellbeing Centre in South Sefton – delivering new employment, training, education and consortium (creative social enterprise) services to many different communities of interest
Download “Arts Creativity and Emowerment” document here
