Arty-Folks was founded in November 1995 by a user of mental health services who felt disempowered by his diagnosis, ‘managed’ by the medical profession, and written off by society in collaboration with a community artist.
About Us
Arty-Folks reaches out to adults of working age 18+ in Coventry and Warwickshire who are at a low point in life and are struggling with mental health challenges.
Our Story
How it all began
Arty-Folks was founded in November 1995 by a user of mental health services in collaboration with a community artist and we ran our first workshop on 25th April 1996.
We began 1995 as a peer support and recreational art group and today we run a ground-breaking Art for Therapy program.
Why we are needed
Art is a powerful tool
and able to spark that human
drive to explore, to learn, and
against all odds to succeed.
Meet our Team
Arty-Folks needs You
We are always looking for skilled individuals to support our staff team as Advisers or Trustees and we would like to hear from you!
A medical diagnosis can offer relief at start by naming the problem but on the other hand can disempower by labelling and by putting the spotlight on a person’s deficits and disorders which can only further perpetuate their negative self-beliefs.
Mission and Values
Recovery is a journey
We help people develop new meaning and purpose in life beyond a medical diagnosis.
Today our programme combines four elements that we have found to be essential to empower people on their recovery journey and to make strides in life:
• Art for Self-Development
• 1:1 Coaching and Mentoring
• Peer Companionship
• Time to process life experiences
Our Finances
We make every penny count!
More than 90p in every £1 donated to Arty-Folks goes directly towards our work with service users.
“Arty-Folks has provided me with an outlet and a way to step back from life and all its difficulties, and through my artwork get some clarity and put things into perspective.”
Awards
Striving for excellence
Arty-Folks was awarded the
Quality Marks
PQASSO and Investors in Volunteering.