Creative at Shoe Lane Library

The Pitch

Problem statement

Mental ill health, especially that caused by isolation, has increased due to the pandemic and lockdowns. Data shows that depression rates doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began and forewarned of a growing mental health crisis in the UK. This project will combat isolation and mental ill health, engaging people in artistic activity which are shown to be beneficial to mental health issues. Our motivation for expanding our work into a “Creative at Shoe Lane Library” project is our recent involvement with the Fleet Street Quarter that has resulted in us being included in their digital guide, available to all those that live, work, visit or study in the City.

Solution

This project will expand our activities to include 2 creative, fun and fulfilling workshops during lunchtimes and evenings to cater for those living or working in the Fleet Street Quarter. These will be based in and around Shoe Lane Library and New Street Square and will take place between September – December 2023.The funding will largely be spent on additional costs to our existing offer. The expected impact - Research shows that participation in immersive arts and activities greatly enhances mental health. Participants who attend our sessions report feeling connected, more confident and better able to manage their mental health conditions.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

We have led sessions and contributed to a number of conferences over the years and are very proud to be an exemplar of good practice, stimulating debate on the arts and the impact on mental ill health. This has included the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ International Congress in 2017 and 2018, Hysteria Symposium, Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. (IOPPN), a session at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of General Adult Psychiatry Annual Conference presented in collaboration with representatives from peer support focus. Dragon Cafe In The City has successfully run events in collaboration with Shoe Lane Library at this location since 2019.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

180 people

Expected impact

We aim to improve mental health for individuals and their community, building resilience and the ability to manage conditions. The key differences we aim to make to our participants’ lives, health and outlook are: • a reduction in isolation • increased confidence in managing mental health conditions and associated physical health conditions • Increased engagement in social and wellbeing activities with corresponding improvement in mental health • Increase in access to other community-based services showing increase in confidence and ability to better manage condition(s) We will measure our success through feedback and questionnaires. A recent study from October 2022 showed: • 81% feel more able to engage with supporting their mental wellbeing having participated at our events • 87% feel a sense of community whilst participating • 87% feel their mental wellbeing was improved by participation

Track record

In a recent project we measured General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scores at the beginning and end of the project. This establishes baseline anxieties and follows these up to measure improvements. At the beginning of the project 25% of people reported experiencing severe anxiety. At the end of the project no participant reported severe showing the effectiveness of the project in improving mental wellbeing. We have recently been independently reviewed by The Social Innovation Partnership who quoted one participant: Through using creative arts, I have been able to focus my mind on solutions that I never thought were possible. Here are two very recent examples of positive feedback: • I just loved today and had the best day. Worst day in my head but a lovely day here. • The live sessions have boosted my fragile confidence & improved my mood & wellbeing. Don’t know how I would manage without this crucial lifeline - so many thanks guys. https://www.mentalfightclub.art/dragon-cafe-in-the-city

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