“Arty-Folks opened the door for me to art, people, support, and a different way of thinking about myself and my future.”
Creative Peer Support Groups
Engage
On completion of the 3-week introduction to Arty-Folks studios, we invite people whom we believe can benefit from longer-term support to join our programme of Creative Peer Support groups.
We currently run four weekly groups we have structured into progressive stepping stones to recovery.
Create
Participants learn art processes and techniques to empower their visual and verbal communication skills and assertiveness.
We use science-backed creative strategies to help people calm physical stress, cope with challenging emotions, change unhelpful thinking patterns, and re-connect with their authentic self.
Connect
Facing our emotions and self-limiting beliefs can be scary.
Arty-Folks Creative Peer Support groups offer a safe space to explore challenging experiences and through art learn from others' perspectives. Members support each other to embrace change through times and thrive rather than just survive.
Discover
A medical diagnosis can offer relief at the start but it does not define who you truly are.
Through 1:1 mental health coaching and mentoring our members discover that underneath all those deficits and shortcomings, is a unique individual seeking to reclaim a sense of self and control of their life and future.
The people we support are suffering with a wide range of conditions including
- Diagnosed or self-diagnosed mental ill health and conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD.
- Long-term and complex mental health conditions such as psychosis, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating and other personality disturbances.
- Who will not contact mental health services fearing prejudice and the stigma that comes with a diagnosis.
- Who are assessed as below the threshold for interventions by statutory services but who are unable to function without support.
- Employees on sick leave and at risk of escalating mental stress into more complex and enduring conditions.
- Discharged from mental health hospitals and are looking to rebuild their lives.
Please note that we are not able to offer the specialist support people need who are in acute crisis, are struggling with cognitive impairments or complex Autism, and those with an unmanaged alcohol or drug dependence.
It takes time, a safe space, and focused support
We know from experience that it takes substantial time from a mental breakdown to gaining what you will feel to be a more authentic sense of self. At Arty-Folks we can help you discover your strengths, personal qualities, aspirations and ambitions that will enable you to overcome past hurts and difficulties and to adjust to change.
We have designed a program of progressive art groups that will help you regain firm ground under your feet, and will help you build resilience to withstand life’s challenges. As you move from group to group the art projects combined with 1:1 mentoring will help you increase your sense of self-worth and self-drive.
Recovery is a journey as much as a destination and it is not the same as cure.
We know that people can develop new meaning and purpose in their life so that symptoms and problems recede into the background. Arty-Folks holds an unwavering optimistic outlook on mental health recovery and we are confident that, while experiences can’t be undone, people can achieve a personally acceptable quality of life.
“I don’t think that people can really appreciate how good it is to be able to talk about your mental health struggles to people who understand what you are going through.”
1:1 Coaching and Mentoring
Arty-Folks serves as a facilitator and catalyst of change and with a bit of help you might just achieve what you never thought possible!
You are in control of your personal journey and we will help you step by step to discover what makes you tick. At our art workshops you will work with your personal mentor through anything that stands in your way of recovery such as finances, housing, weekly routine, writing a CV, volunteering, employment, etc. and how we can help you build on your skills, interests and passions. All information remains confidential.
I lost everything!
J.J.’s story:
“As the pandemic went on I realised I was regressing and becoming trapped again in my own home.”
Success at last!
L.W.’s story:
“I would like to say I have not been very successful at formal education but it would be a huge understatement!”
Peer Companionship
You are not on your own. At our art workshops you will find the companionship of people who have walked a similar path and this shared understanding is liberating and reassuring at the same time. You will also meet your Peer Volunteers who are making strides through Arty-Folks and who offer hope by sharing their experience and journey.
At Arty-Folks we are all in the same boat. Staff, peers, and volunteers, we all help each other through the ups and downs of life’s challenges.
A Sense of Belonging
We human beings are social creatures and connecting to others is a hugely important part of maintaining well-being. Coventry and Warwickshire are full of opportunities to get involved and connect with like-minded people.
Our Peer Support Workers will help you establish a healthy weekly routine with meaningful activities including volunteering. When you feel ready we will help you look for employment or apply to College or University, and we will continue to coach you through the barriers and obstacles that you might face once you leave.
