Arts & Mental Health Case Study: The Hera Project

Testimony

“I am feeling better in myself, a new awareness. I’ve taken to carrying a camera whenever I go out. I feel relaxed in doing so, it’s more like meditation, thinking through the problems of getting the shot right.”

“Overall positive. The course has reignited an old hobby, photography and created a new one. Bird watching. It has also motivated me to go out for regular early morning walks. This has been a sanity saver as I live in the north Laine so it’s very unsafe for a medically vulnerable person to be out in the daytime. The social aspect of the group was also very uplifting. It has really helped my stress level and anxiety issues.”

“I really liked the community feeling, the creative space and the respect and compassion we showed each other. It sparked more feelings/desire to write creatively.”

“Enjoyed it thoroughly! Got me writing, learning new things and inspired me to write daily.”

“I love the Hera group, using different parts of my brain to create in new fresh ways and explore different themes each week. It’s also good to connect as I’m housebound due to my health. I’m really enjoying it.”

“I was only able to attend 1 due to other factors on my life needing sorting, leaving me in a chaotic home situation and problems with internet access at times. That having been said, the group was very inclusive and I found the instruction clear and supportive. My home situation and my mental health is much more stable at the moment so I would like an opportunity to continue with this group if any places are available.”

“Honestly, just the creative and social outlet. It was a fantastic experience.”

“It has been a highlight of the week over the past twelve weeks – and the session and the homework projects have become an important part of my weekly routine.”

“I absolutely love my weekly classes! I really enjoy how the art class is making me create in a very different way to how I usually make art. I thoroughly enjoy the creative writing group too, it gets my flow going in a way making art doesn’t and I am studying various avenues related to writing such as poetry and its different genres, and have written loads of poems.”

“I love exploring storytelling and how powerful it is, and will join other creative writing groups. I also love the sense of connection it gives me as I’m housebound due to chronic illness and can feel very isolated at times. I look forward to continuing with both activities and hope the classes will continue as being online gives access to lots of activities I usually can’t take part in in person.”

*Names have been removed to protect individuals privacy.

Read the full case study.

Find out about The Hera Project’s creative health workshops which are funded, at no cost to participants. Please note, while some of the workshops are open to residents with a BN postcode, others are for patients currently registered at WellBN GP surgeries only.