South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College wanted to take a wider approach to supporting wellbeing in the community, as well as within the college itself. Recognising the impact that poor wellbeing was having on individuals in the community, the college developed Creativity for Wellbeing (non-accredited) courses for adults facing barriers to accessing mainstream education. The classes are delivered both within the community and on the college premises and provide an opportunity to engage in creativity in an accessible way. The college works in partnership with local social prescribers, surgeries, charities and community providers to signpost and support progression to the classes. This has enabled the classes to reach all geographical areas of the community, including groups that are typically further from health outcomes, and to deliver classes in familiar and safe community spaces, which in turn offers a supporting stepping stone for participants to help them transition back into more formal education.

The classes have supported individuals who are feeling isolated or lonely and help to foster a sense of belonging and being part of a learning community, and are often a stepping stone to progression onto wider community engagement. Creativity has been linked in research to improved mental health, and decreased stress and anxiety, as well as tackling negative feelings often felt by those who have experienced trauma. They can also support participants to explore additional wellbeing strategies, such as self-care, healthy eating and exercise.

The impact that such classes can have on the wellbeing of participation is demonstrated through the story from a participant below.

Côme

“I moved to Bristol in 2021 after completing a 28-day detox from alcohol and drugs in a rehabilitation clinic. I’ve struggled with my mental health and addictions all my life and am now four years abstinent from all substances. In 2022 I took part in multiple art for well-being courses run by SGSC around Bristol. Thanks to the generosity of the wellbeing programme, I was able to re-enrol on the creative printmaking course available at Bristol School of Art. Here, I really engaged with the course, I learned new techniques, and I was able to plan and execute a creative project which felt great. This course became a part of my recovery routine and had a very positive impact on my mental health. I eventually got to talk to Amanda Lowery at the college and told her some of my story. She suggested that I enrol onto a degree at the college which I did! I enrolled on a fine art and contemporary practice degree. This opportunity has been life changing. At the end of last year, I got signed by the Clifton Fine Art gallery in Bristol, who have since taken me to the affordable art fairs in London, which to me is a massive achievement considering where I’ve come from.”