People who attend community art groups enjoy significant social benefits and improved mental health, according to a new research study.
The research has been led by Dr Helen Lloyd, associate professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with two researchers Abbie Scott BSc, and Rachel Mullee BSc. The research project was co-designed by a committee which included the mindful art club participants, art club volunteers, and the Mindful Art Club directors Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson.
Peggy and Emma met when they were working in Broadreach, an addiction treatment centre in Plymouth that closed down in 2019. Peggy said:
“When we were made redundant we wanted to carry on offering mental health support in the community, without finances or waiting lists being a barrier to access help.”
Emma said,
“I’m trained in mindfulness and have a teaching qualification; Peggy is a qualified counsellor, and we offer free, weekly support groups in and around Plymouth.”
The research study was funded by the university’s Get Involved Awards, and the findings concluded that creative activities provide a distraction from negative thoughts and social anxiety. Art encourages ‘flow’– a relaxing empowering experience, and attending Mindful Art Club can boost confidence and self-esteem while reducing social isolation.
The research also found that participants made statistically significant improvements in their mood from attending the art sessions. Attendance at Mindful Art club also improved participants’ level of social connect, facilitated emotional regulation strategies and supported positive mental wellbeing.
Mindful Art Club offers a number of free weekly drop-in groups in Plympton and Plymouth. They also deliver one-off staff wellbeing sessions, and six-week courses for local wellbeing organisations such as Devon Mind and The Sunflower Women’s Centre.
Art club participant, Kerry Evans, said:
“I come to Mindful Art Club on a Friday afternoon at Moments Café. The art club help so many people through tough times, they help with isolation issues, mental health of all kinds and loneliness, They have personally helped me through all of these challenges and more. I feel passionate about making sure Mindful Art continues on a regular basis, and I would feel lost, lonely and depressed again without it in my life.”
Mindful Art Club have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise funds to carry on their weekly support group at Moments Café, in Plymouth’s city centre. There are rewards on offer in return for donations. Visit: www.mindfulartclub.co.uk/donate/
