Art for Wellbeing was a series of ten week courses for adults with mild to moderate mental health issues led by artist Pete Walker.

Art for Wellbeing is a project based in part on the Arts on Prescription model, pioneered in Stockport and replicated (with various modifications) in a number of other areas. Heywood Middleton Rochdale PCT and Link4Life provided initial funding and New Heart for Heywood have also made a contribution, particularly to the fourth course. The fifth course was funded by Manchester Airport, via Link4Life. The project took place in Heywood, and was open to adults throughout the borough. Rochdale MIND conducted assessments of applicants and provided sessional support from a counsellor.

The first year of the project culminated in a superb exhibition at Touchstones Gallery in Rochdale. Please click on the link below to see pictures.

Although the funding from Cartwheel Arts has now finished, the participants found the course to be so beneficial that they are in the process of setting up their own group - Art & Soul - we will be thrilled to support them however we can! If you would like more information, please contact Lucy on 01706 361300 or admin@cartwheelarts.org.uk

We're here together Art & Soul

The hidden gem with no control

Maybe friends, after class

Go to the pub, drink Shandy Bass

Learn from each other

Walk by my side

Talking, thinking

I feel obliged

Feel free to express your mind

All of us are surely kind

Going places here and there

Taking photos cos we all care

Shaking hands and saying hello

Paint on canvas, go with the flow

By Art & Soul member JP Bamford 24/03/2010

For pictures please click below:

Environment theme

Trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park  

Well, Well, Well exhibition at Touchstones