Fresh Arts on Referral at North Bristol NHS Trust is an arts programme within an acute hospital setting. Patients with cancer, chronic pain or chronic breathlessness are offered six-week programmes of visual arts or creative writing activities to support them to self-manage their conditions. The programmes are led by professional practising artists trained in facilitating groups.
Access to high-quality, enjoyable creative activities in a safe group setting allowed patients to reconnect with themselves, recognise and value their individual skills and resources. This often led to a change in perspective that led to increased self-care, renewed agency and energy to make changes in their lives.
An evaluation of the pilot of the programme showed participants’ wellbeing improved from 41.62 to 47.2 as measured using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale.
