RISE – Arts and Mental Health Symposium
Project Date: 24th May 2018 –
RISE – Arts and Mental Health Symposium was a one day event which took place at the Heart of Hawick and explored the positive contribution that arts and creativity can make to people’s lives through sharing current thinking and showcasing best practice.
This event was aimed at anyone working in, or with a specific interest in, arts and mental health and wellbeing – including artists and creatives, health professionals, policy makers and organisations. The day was a mix of inspiring and informative presentations, with breakout sessions on key themes and musical performances. The Symposium was attended by over 70 people and was opened by Lynne Irons, Director of Managed Services, Live Borders and Dr Allyson McCollam, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS Borders.
Millie on stage
Live music was provided by 18-year-old singer/songwriter Millie who spoke about the positive impact that ‘Sound Cycle’ – a youth music project in the Borders – had made to her confidence and development as a young professional musician.
Keynote presenters providing information and inspiration on the day were Kevin Harrison from Artlink Central, Siobhan McConnachie from the National Galleries of Scotland and artists Susheila Jamieson and Sharon Quigley. Allyson McCollam, Associate Director of Public Health who led the panel discussion at the event, said; ‘The programme was really imaginative and varied and it was fantastic to have such a range of people there and so much information sharing and networking. The symposium laid the foundations for future collaboration on mental health and the arts. I am delighted that we have started the process of the Borders being involved in the Scottish Arts and Mental Health Festival.’
Susheila-Jamieson – Keynote Presenter and Artist
Research has shown the beneficial impact that the arts and creativity can have on mental health and wellbeing and we are already making plans to build on this for the future.’
WORKS+ The Bear Who Cares
RISE was delivered in partnership by Creative Arts Business Network (CABN), Live Borders and the Joint Health Improvement Team (Scottish Borders Council/NHS Borders). The event was planned to coincide with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 7 – 27 May 2018.
To read the full Symposium Report, including Recommendations and Next Steps Download Here
One of the key outcomes of the RISE Arts & Mental Health Symposium was the establishment of the RISE Arts & Wellbeing Network for the Scottish Borders, which meets one or two times a year and developed projects and activities locally including the first local programme as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2019.
To find out more about RISE Arts & Wellbeing Network, sign up to the mailing list here and visit the Facebook page