Artful Minds

Hi new visitors ( many it seems) at the back end of 2022 there has probs not been a better time to consider how art and creative activities can influence wellbeing, post pandemic and in a crisis world there is much support needed for many. Artfulminds will be linking up with other organisations to promote well-being through very simple acts of creativity and community in 2023- see you there.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jan/16/life-after-lockdown-how-do-we-best-recover-from-the-pandemic

Life after lockdown: how do we best recover from the pandemic? Two years of Covid have wreaked havoc with the nation’s mental health. What can be learned from the survivors of other traumas and is there a way of thinking ourselves to a happier, healthier place?

Sadly we know that the last two years have impacted all our lives in what might be described as in a negative way. The alternative is to see that the imposed change has actually made us look more closely at things. Local is more important as we can’t travel so easily , supplies of food are very important. Friends that live nearby become like family members, small exchanges of familiarity are as important or more so than a jolly! Everyone quotes birds and birdsong in those first few weeks of lockdown when the skies were blue without plane vapour trails, but so it was they had their 1/2 hour before we got back to normal’ but wait is normal actually normal?

It’s time to say that many will be so anxious and upset at present times.. I would say to anyone wanting help to go to the NHS at this point if you are feeling extremely debilitated by current events in the UK esp the southeast . Don’t be put off about trying to find Support, also talk open up and describe how you are feeling to friends and family , some might be receptive, our culture is all about .’I’m fine’ when we are asked , but many are not,. Please take the liberty in these times to say why you are not fine to anyone x

Hi all new visitors do get in touch dm the page or contact happy for collaboration, many undertaken . I am very up for taking on the negative and turning into a supportive world ! Not easy but happy to go that way , please get in contact for what I can offer ,..

Hi new visitors it remains to be seen how the impact of the last few months will impact on many peoples lives. I have been asked to work up some loose ‘back to school’ type exercises for pupils that may find the transition back into school a bit daunting. Please do get in touch - message the page if this is something your school might be interested in.

Artfulminds is keen to explore ways in which being creative can help during this covid 19 pandemic. Exercise is often talked about as a good tool for reducing anxiety and it is, but it is not the only thing we can do to help ourselves or others. Meditation is also good, however working creatively and being absorbed in a creative activity will change the way the brain functions it has been researched and is referred to as 'creative flow' - you will know if you have experienced it as often time passes very quickly! More on this soon, if you would be interested in any of the tools for this please message the page.

My occupational therapist gave me hope when I had none. That's why I became one She saw me as a person rather than a mental health inpatient. Now I work to help other people in the same situation I was in• Guardian Jobs: see the latest vacancies i...

Good bit of research and findings,...

www.lahf.org.uk

My pleasure to have met many of the members of this wonderful extraordinary troupe

"We believe moving well and exploring personal creativity keeps people happier and healthier. We are convinced that our unique peer-led approach, with its embedded element of public performance, exhibition or installation, brings deeper engagement and a stronger sense of well-being."

http://ow.ly/MXeT50uQF0N

Hello new visitors ,.

'It helps residents stay healthy': the benefits of arts in care homes People living in one care village have worked with artists to learn new skills including sculpture, painting and dance