Funding Boosts Arts Access for Individuals with Mental Health Issues

A significant funding initiative aims to enhance access to arts activities for individuals living with mental health conditions, with a total of £400,115 allocated to various projects across Northern Ireland. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI), in collaboration with the Baring Foundation and supported by the National Lottery, has announced grants of up to £20,000 for 23 different projects focused on this vital area.

This initiative, known as the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, will facilitate partnerships between arts organizations and specialized mental health service providers. The primary goal is to target individuals facing higher levels of disadvantage or exclusion, particularly those dealing with mental health issues such as addictions and eating disorders. The programme will also provide training and specialist mental health support for participating artists, enhancing the overall quality and impact of the community projects.

Key Projects Receiving Funding

Among the notable projects receiving funding, the Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor, Co Down, has been awarded £15,140. This funding will enable the workshop to collaborate with Action Mental Health/New Horizons Create Connect to create a supportive environment for vulnerable individuals to engage in creativity through printmaking.

The Millennium Forum in Londonderry has secured £17,954 to partner with Arc Fitness on a youth-led drama and health initiative. This project will cater to young people aged 11–18, who will participate in weekly workshops focused on drama, singing, and dance.

Another recipient, the Armagh Tyrone Wellbeing Collective, has been granted £13,600 to implement holistic health and wellbeing programmes. These will include group initiatives, retreats, and one-on-one support services aimed at enhancing mental health.

The Ulster Orchestra Society will receive £18,048 to work with Steps and Glasgowbury in delivering workshops designed to engage adults with mental health needs in rural communities in Mid Ulster.

Additionally, Youth Action has been awarded £15,982 for a programme that will involve various organizations, including Belfast Met. This initiative will focus on engaging young people with moderate to severe disabilities who are also experiencing mental health challenges through performing arts workshops and mini festivals.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Lorraine Calderwood from the Arts Council emphasized the initiative’s commitment to delivering meaningful arts-based projects for some of the most vulnerable members of society. She stated, “At the heart of this initiative is a desire to deliver meaningful arts-based projects to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Meanwhile, David Cutler, director of the Baring Foundation, highlighted the broader scope of their funding partnership with ACNI. He noted, “This is part of our wider funding partnership with ACNI around arts and mental health that includes a pioneering strand of work on the mental health of artists, an occupational group at high risk of poor mental health. We hope this programme will have much to share with other parts of the UK.”

The complete list of awarded projects and additional details can be found at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s official website, artscouncil-ni.org/funding. This funding initiative represents a crucial step towards integrating arts into mental health support, promoting creativity while addressing the needs of individuals facing significant challenges.