Creative Art & Wellbeing

​One article from many 'out there' outlining reasons that creative art is thought to benefit mental health

Link to web site Start in Manchester. UK

 

Institute for Creative Health (arts health foundation)

A national organisation based in Sydney - not specific to mental health - however of definite interest, especially perhaps their "Place Stories" initiative to share some of the arts projects around the nation. Great for case studies and research of who's doing what.

The ICH is also a great source of evaluation/research such as "The Role of Art Making in Mental Health" by Theresa Van Lith, which is one of the resources available to download from the "proving" tab (scroll down to find it).

 

Arts and Health Australia

"Arts and Health Australia (AHA) is a networking and advocacy organisation and consulting agency". A national organisation based in Melbourne - not specific to mental health. They run an annual Arts and Health Conference in November, and have some great links to international research/sites and blog links too.

 

Creative Connections: Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing through Community Arts Participation.

"This publication outlines the findings from the evaluation of projects supported through the Community Arts Participation Scheme. It explores the ways in which participation in community arts can contribute to mental health and wellbeing, reports on wider issues in the sector and includes six case studies."

Vic Health

76 pages viewable online.

 

Supporting Healthy Communities Through Arts Programs

Resource sheet no. 28 produced for the Closing the Gap Clearinghouse by Vicki-Ann Ware. January 2014

23 page PDF - Concise and easy to read with a great list of references at the end. This paper is based upon the synthesis of findings from over 30 studies, covering all geographic areas from inner city to remote regions, and all age ranges from preschool children to the elderly.

 

Evidence in a Nutshell - Mental Health Promotion

Deakin, Victoria & Vic Health

2 page PDF

 

Link between Arts and Mental Health and Wellbeing

by Vic Health - A one page summary of a few key evidence sources for arts and mental health / wellbeing benefits.

 

A national framework for recovery-oriented mental health services; policy and theory

Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council

50 Page Booklet - PDF

 

Recovery Fact Sheet

Beyond Blue. 3 page PDF

 

Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice

(Link to web page where you can download PDF.)

This book is appropriate for a range of health professionals who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as students studying in health-related fields. The book provides information that will assist health staff in providing culturally appopriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing social and emotional wellbeing issues.

PDF options at bottom of the page, 3.9mb.

 

Group Norms

You can google for a range if information and examples but group norms won't belong to any group unless everyone is involved in the process of making them. I quite like this link (US Teaching Staff Development newsletter)  because it covers the topic in a newsletter style with examples and a guide sheet for beginners,  and plans for reviews etc. The pitch is not to arts programs but the principals apply to any group - and the process and focus should be tailored accordingly.

 

QLD Creative Recovery

Tips for initiating a creative recovery project PDF - evaluation and project examples. There are a number of case study videos, which were developed as part of the evaluation strategy. A great resource now for us all.

 

The Funding Centre

An Australian enterprise of ourcommunity.com.au:

"The Funding Centre is the best place to go to get information on grants and fundraising in Australia. The website and associated tools and newsletters are an initiative of Our Community, a world-leading social enterprise that provides advice, tools and training for Australia’s 600,000 community groups, as well as services for business, government and the general public."

You may find the Checklist for Grant Writing useful.

 

Evaluation

This Victorian Department of Human Services site has a range of small word doc checksheets, help guides and key questions to prompt your thinking and planning towards effective evaluation. I like these  because of their short & sweet nature. There is also a Victorian 52 page PDF booklet viewable online called "Planning for effective health promotion evaluation". I find this has succinct explanations of various methodologies and some good planning and template guides, and points to consider when planning your evaluation and strategies.

 

Evaluating Community Arts and Community Well Being

A substantial Evaluation Resource - via Vic Arts & multiple partners in health and local government Victoria

"Evaluating Community Arts and Community Well Being is a 'how to' guide for community arts practitioners to assist them to evaluate the impacts of their community arts projects.

The guide also includes evaluation tools including surveys, worksheets and timelines for each stage of an evaluation. These can be used as they are, or adapted according to the needs of each project."