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Prescription Art Test Valley was inspired by Jill Wilson (a former nurse) and Dr Peter White (a retired GP) who were both interested in how art, community involvement, social connections and other non-medical interventions could improve wellbeing and health outcomes.

 

The concept was conceived in 2016 and the first Prescription Art pilot project ran during January and February 2017.

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Preparation of the art room is meticulous to ensure a safe, peaceful and nurturing environment that facilitates everyone’s confidence to explore individual and collective creativity.

 

Early attendees completed pre and post participation questionnaires together with the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale 

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The first final art group session held an “open house” event, sharing their experience with others and exhibiting their work.

 

Closure of the sessions was not easy for the inaugural group, and on-going opportunities were discussed amongst the group at the end of the sessions. The group bonded quickly; mutual support was evident at an early stage. Shared experience and new friendships emerged after 2 or 3 sessions. Consequently follow-on art classes have been introduced so that early benefits can continue to be built upon.

 

Originally mental health support in the form of both art and singing classes were provided and art classes have continued to run successfully since September 2017 albeit with some interruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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