Funding Boosts Arts Access for People with Mental Health Conditions

A new initiative has been launched to provide individuals living with mental health conditions access to various arts activities, supported by a funding allocation of £400,115. This funding, announced by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) in partnership with the Baring Foundation, will facilitate 23 projects that aim to connect arts organisations with specialist mental health service providers.

The initiative, known as the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, focuses on targeting individuals facing significant disadvantages or exclusions, including those dealing with mental health issues such as addictions and eating disorders. The programme not only seeks to enhance access to arts activities but also provides essential training and specialist mental health support for participating artists.

Project Highlights and Community Impact

Among the projects receiving funding, the Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor, Co Down, has been awarded £15,140 to collaborate with Action Mental Health/New Horizons Create Connect. This partnership aims to create a safe space where vulnerable individuals can engage in creativity through printmaking.

In Londonderry, the Millennium Forum has secured £17,954 to partner with Arc Fitness for a youth-led drama and health initiative. This program will focus on young people aged 11 to 18, offering weekly workshops in drama, singing, and dance.

The Armagh Tyrone Wellbeing Collective received £13,600 to implement holistic health and wellbeing programmes, which include group initiatives, retreats, and one-to-one support. Meanwhile, the Ulster Orchestra Society has been awarded £18,048 to engage adults living with mental health needs in rural communities through workshops in Draperstown and surrounding areas.

Youth Action has also been granted £15,982 to partner with various organisations, including Belfast Met, to conduct performing arts workshops and mini-festivals aimed at young people with moderate to severe disabilities who are living with mental health conditions.

Statements from Key Officials

Lorraine Calderwood from the Arts Council emphasised the programme’s focus on delivering meaningful arts-based projects to some of the most vulnerable members of society. She stated, “At the heart of this initiative is a desire to deliver meaningful arts-based projects to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

David Cutler, director of the Baring Foundation, highlighted the broader implications of the funding, noting, “This is part of our wider funding partnership with ACNI around arts and mental health that includes a pioneering strand of work on the mental health of artists, an occupational group at high risk of poor mental health.” He expressed hope that the programme would provide valuable insights applicable to other regions in the UK.

For a complete list of awarded projects, please visit artscouncil-ni.org/funding. This funding initiative represents a significant step towards integrating arts and mental health support, aiming to uplift individuals facing mental health challenges through creative expression.