Arts on Prescription
Arts on Prescription
Artist led courses for adults living with health challenge.
What is Arts on Prescription?
FREE arts workshops aimed to improve health and wellbeing.
Our Arts on Prescription programme offers local access to high quality professionally led arts activities in a low stress, supportive environment, free of charge to participants at times and places to suit them. Through focusing on hands-on art activities we provide relaxation and distraction, giving participants personal space away from day to day life.
How can Arts on Prescription help?
- Increased confidence
- Learning new skills
- Distraction from pain and problems
- Having something enjoyable to do
- Making friends
We currently offer the following Programmes:
︎AoP Art:
Each programme is made up of 12 weekly 2 hour art workshops. Workshops are small groups of up to 12 people led by professional artists and usually take place in local arts centres. Activities include drawing and painting, print-making and simple sculpture.︎AoP Music:
This Mindfulness Music programme is made up of 10 weekly 2 hour music workshops, with the option to continue subject to availability. Aimed at everybody from the experienced musician to those with little or no experience. The programme is supported by the MK’s Music Faculty and Music Education Hub. Workshops are small groups of up to 8 people and led by professional artists.︎AoP Dance & Movement:
We are running the new kind of Arts on Prescription course for adults which involves dance and movement! Following the success of our Autumn course last year, we have scheduled a new 10 week course starting in the Spring! Guided by professional dance artist Kate Taylor, she will lead gentle movement sessions bringing release for both body and mind to an uplifting playlist. No experience needed.
“It helps me mentally, I really enjoy it, it releases those ‘good’ endorphins.
With the class participants and Kate, there’s an energy in the room all the time,
which you in can't really see, but you can feel it. You might come into the class
in a low mood, and by the time you’re leaving, your mood is lifted, and this carries
on throughout the day.
For me personally my head doing all sorts often, it’s been a way of letting things
out through the movement, it’s given me freedom, it’s made me happier. I would
do it again in a heartbeat.” Carol Monk, AoP Dance participant
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“It helps me mentally, I really enjoy it, it releases those ‘good’ endorphins.
With the class participants and Kate, there’s an energy in the room all the time,
which you in can't really see, but you can feel it. You might come into the class
in a low mood, and by the time you’re leaving, your mood is lifted, and this carries
on throughout the day.
For me personally my head doing all sorts often, it’s been a way of letting things
out through the movement, it’s given me freedom, it’s made me happier. I would
do it again in a heartbeat.” Carol Monk, AoP Dance participant
Starting time and date:
Tuesday 12th March
10.30am - 11.30am
FREE OF CHARGE
Tuesday 12th March
10.30am - 11.30am
FREE OF CHARGE
Course:
Runs for 10 weeks with breaks for Easter on 26th March and 2nd April; also a break on May 28th.
March 12, 19
April 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21
June 4
Runs for 10 weeks with breaks for Easter on 26th March and 2nd April; also a break on May 28th.
March 12, 19
April 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21
June 4
Location:@ Room 10, Milton Keynes Recovery & Wellbeing College, 226 Queensway, Milton Keynes MK2 2TE
To book: Please email referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk or call us on 01908 996124
There are 10 spaces available, on a first-come first-served basis.
Location:
All of our Arts on Prescription Programmes are delivered face-to-face at a local arts venue.
Good to know...
All sessions are friendly and welcoming, and no previous arts experience is necessary.
In the workshops we don’t ask you to talk about why you are attending but you will be required to complete an evaluation survey aimed at measuring the health benefits of participating.
How can I take part?
Arts on Prescription is available on a referral basis for clients with depression, stress and anxiety. You can ask your GP, a community support worker or health care provider if they think it would benefit you. They will need to complete a referral form with you. You can also refer yourself directly if you wish. Simply complete the form and return to us.
Referral Forms:
For a referral form please download the form below:
Referral Form Word.doc
or contact us on:
︎ referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.
︎ or 01908 996124
︎Looking for Activities to try at home whilst we process your referral?
Have you tried our online activities yet? There is plenty to explore from home including photography ideas, painting tips and music to listen to. Explore here
Other Current Activities:
Creative Play: music and song
Free courses
Two 12-week music and song courses for mums and babiesAttendance by booking / referral only
12 weekly
music sessions for mums who are feeling low, struggling with the pressures of
being a mum, feeling anxious and/or easily overwhelmed. For those who have lost
interest in the world around them, or who have feelings of guilt, hopelessness
and self-blame.
What?
Over the 12 sessions a trained musician will support participants to engage in singing and musical activities. There will be the opportunity to learn new musical and singing skills in a caring, safe and secure environment. Will allow participants to find connections with other mums going through similar experiences and find a new community of acceptance and understanding. Bring your baby and be part of the musical magic of group singing, learn new songs that you can sing at home.
The sessions will consist of an hour of singing and music intervention, 15 minute stagger arrival and departure time and 30 minutes to chat and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and something sweet.
Who?
The sessions will be centred around mothers but encourages mothers to bring their babies and children under 5 to come along to the sessions.
When?
12pm - 2pm
Here is the next session:
Tuesday 12th March
Tuesday 19th March
Tuesday 26th March
Tuesday 9th April
Tuesday 16th April
Tuesday 23rd April
Tuesday 30th April
Tuesday 7th May
Tuesday 14th May
Tuesday 21st May
Mums can join the course at any time.
Where?
The Robin’s Children’s Centre
Heelands School
Milton Keynes
MK13 7QL
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Second course
We have arranged a second course at a new location starting at the end of this month.
Please see below of the full set of dates:
When?
10:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday 24th April
Wednesday 1st May
Wednesday 8th May
Wednesday 15th May
Wednesday 22nd May
Wednesday 5th June
Wednesday 12th June
Wednesday 19th June
Wednesday 26th June
Wednesday 3rd July
Wednesday 10th July
Wednesday 17th July
Where?
Little Owls Children's Centre
Oxley Park Community Centre
Redgrave Drive
Oxley Park
MK4 4TA
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Regularly asked Q&A
Do I need to have a formal diagnosis of PND or other peri natal mental health challenges to attend?
No you do not need a formal diagnosis. If you are feeling any of the following symptoms:
- feeling sad, low in mood or tearful much of the time
- feeling agitated or irritable towards your partner, baby or other children
- loss of interest in the world around you and
- no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure (like you "cannot be bothered")
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- problems concentrating and making decisions
- loss of appetite or overeating (comfort eating)
- negative thoughts such as feeling you are not a good enough mother,
- feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame
- feeling anxious that something bad may happen to your baby
- problems bonding with your baby, no sense of enjoyment in being with them
We accept referrals from health care providers as well as self referrals.
Will there be facilities for my baby?
Yes, there are changing facilities and products will be available if you require them.
How will I be supported in the sessions
There will be 2 trained musicians running the sessions there will also be an additional member of the project team in the room to support you where needed. Family Centre staff will also be on hand to help where needed.
Can health care professionals refer individuals onto the programme?
Yes, we have referral partners but will also take referrals from other care professionals.
Can I refer myself onto the programme?
Yes you can.
Do I have to attend all 12 sessions?
No, if you feel you cannot attend a session that is totally fine.
Do I need to have any musical experience to attend?
No you don’t need any previous experience.
Do I have to feel extremes in order to be accepted onto the programme?
No you don’t.
Will I need to fill in lots of paper work?
No, we will be asking some questions about yourself at the beginning, middle and end of the project but this paper work will be completed with support of a member of staff.
Are the workshops free to attend?
Yes, the workshops are free as this is a funded project. The project is funded by Youth Music: Trailblazer Fund.
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For any further questions please email georgia@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
How do I book?
To register interest on the programme please download and complete the referral form below. Please send your completed referral to referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.
Referral form ︎︎︎
or contact us on:
︎ referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
︎ or 01908 996124
Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. There are 10 places on offer.
︎Looking for Activities to try at home whilst we process your referral?
Have you tried our online activities yet? There is plenty to explore from home including photography ideas, painting tips and music to listen to. Explore here
Over the 12 sessions a trained musician will support participants to engage in singing and musical activities. There will be the opportunity to learn new musical and singing skills in a caring, safe and secure environment. Will allow participants to find connections with other mums going through similar experiences and find a new community of acceptance and understanding. Bring your baby and be part of the musical magic of group singing, learn new songs that you can sing at home.
The sessions will consist of an hour of singing and music intervention, 15 minute stagger arrival and departure time and 30 minutes to chat and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and something sweet.
Who?
The sessions will be centred around mothers but encourages mothers to bring their babies and children under 5 to come along to the sessions.
When?
12pm - 2pm
Here is the next session:
Tuesday 12th March
Tuesday 19th March
Tuesday 26th March
Tuesday 9th April
Tuesday 16th April
Tuesday 23rd April
Tuesday 30th April
Tuesday 7th May
Tuesday 14th May
Tuesday 21st May
Mums can join the course at any time.
Where?
The Robin’s Children’s Centre
Heelands School
Milton Keynes
MK13 7QL
Second course
We have arranged a second course at a new location starting at the end of this month.
Please see below of the full set of dates:
When?
10:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday 24th April
Wednesday 1st May
Wednesday 8th May
Wednesday 15th May
Wednesday 22nd May
Wednesday 5th June
Wednesday 12th June
Wednesday 19th June
Wednesday 26th June
Wednesday 3rd July
Wednesday 10th July
Wednesday 17th July
Where?
Little Owls Children's Centre
Oxley Park Community Centre
Redgrave Drive
Oxley Park
MK4 4TA
Regularly asked Q&A
Do I need to have a formal diagnosis of PND or other peri natal mental health challenges to attend?
No you do not need a formal diagnosis. If you are feeling any of the following symptoms:
- feeling sad, low in mood or tearful much of the time
- feeling agitated or irritable towards your partner, baby or other children
- loss of interest in the world around you and
- no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure (like you "cannot be bothered")
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- problems concentrating and making decisions
- loss of appetite or overeating (comfort eating)
- negative thoughts such as feeling you are not a good enough mother,
- feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame
- feeling anxious that something bad may happen to your baby
- problems bonding with your baby, no sense of enjoyment in being with them
We accept referrals from health care providers as well as self referrals.
Will there be facilities for my baby?
Yes, there are changing facilities and products will be available if you require them.
How will I be supported in the sessions
There will be 2 trained musicians running the sessions there will also be an additional member of the project team in the room to support you where needed. Family Centre staff will also be on hand to help where needed.
Can health care professionals refer individuals onto the programme?
Yes, we have referral partners but will also take referrals from other care professionals.
Can I refer myself onto the programme?
Yes you can.
Do I have to attend all 12 sessions?
No, if you feel you cannot attend a session that is totally fine.
Do I need to have any musical experience to attend?
No you don’t need any previous experience.
Do I have to feel extremes in order to be accepted onto the programme?
No you don’t.
Will I need to fill in lots of paper work?
No, we will be asking some questions about yourself at the beginning, middle and end of the project but this paper work will be completed with support of a member of staff.
Are the workshops free to attend?
Yes, the workshops are free as this is a funded project. The project is funded by Youth Music: Trailblazer Fund.
For any further questions please email georgia@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
How do I book?
To register interest on the programme please download and complete the referral form below. Please send your completed referral to referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.
Referral form ︎︎︎
or contact us on:
︎ referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
︎ or 01908 996124
Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. There are 10 places on offer.
︎Looking for Activities to try at home whilst we process your referral?
Have you tried our online activities yet? There is plenty to explore from home including photography ideas, painting tips and music to listen to. Explore here
Art Group
A space to develop your creativity and meet new people. Join us for 2 hours of ‘me time’ for you and your art. Our group is supportive and sociable.
Who is it for?
Our Art Groups are for adults with mild to moderate physical and/or mental health challenges. You will not need to complete a referral form.
Unlike our Arts on Prescription course, Art Group sessions are not taught. You can choose your own art projects and a member of staff is always on hand if you need inspiration or help using materials. Basic materials are provided.
Where and when?
Mondays 2 - 4pm @ The Old Bath House, Wolverton
Cost
£2 per 2 hour session - this nominal fee includes the use of art materials and refreshments.
How do I join?
- Please contact us on info@artsforhealthmk.org.uk or 01908 996124 for more information.
- You are welcome to drop in, you do not need a referral.
Gallery
Here are a selection of artworks produced by some of our members:
Above Left to right:
Iain Stirling - ‘What do you see’ - mixed media, watercolour and acrylic
Valerie Rose - ‘Waterlily 2’ - watercolour
Louise Drinkwater - ‘Winter Moon’ - acrylics
Katrina Stevens - ‘Serenity’ - acrylics
Above Left to right:
Marina Grainger - ‘Cardinal birds male and female’ - coloured pencils
Angela Finn - ‘Splash of Pink’ - watercolour
Marina Grainger - ‘Blue jay’ - pastels
Iain Stirling - ‘Kingfisher’ - acrylic
Art Group Flyer to Share:
With thanks to the Wolverton Science and Art Institute Fund for their support with this project.
Other current activities ︎︎︎
HEADSTAR
HEADSTART
An Arts on Prescription programme for children and young people aged 8 - 17 years
What is HEADSTART?
Using art to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who experience health challenges such as: stress, anxiety, depression or pain.
HEADSTART is an Arts on Prescription programme that offers young people access to high quality multiple arts workshops in a low stress, supportive environment. Through focused hands-on activities we provide relaxation and distraction, giving participants personal space away from day to day life.
How can HEADSTART programmes help?
- Increasing confidence
-
Learning new skills
-
Distraction from pain and problems
-
Spending time doing something enjoyable
- Making friends
We currently offer the following Programmes:
︎HEADSTART Art (ages 8 - 12) & (13 – 17)
This programme provides up to 12 weekly 1.5 hour art workshops. Workshops are small groups of up to 10 young people and led by professional artists. Activities can include drawing and painting, print-making and simple sculpture.
︎ HEADSTART Drama (ages 8 – 12) & (13 - 17)
During this 11 week course young people will learn and explore drama skills that will encourage independent creativity, building confidence and self esteem. The aim of this programme is to support the group to create a piece of drama; the form, style and subject matter of the piece will be inspired by the young people themselves. Participants will be encouraged to take creative lead on the project, making it relevant and relatable to the young people and their current experiences and opinions.
Find out more about our most recent drama course here.
︎🎶️ HEADSTART Music (ages 8 – 12) & (13 - 17)
During this 12 week course we will focus primarily on musical creativity in the form of songwriting. Participants will be able to contribute by creating lyrics, melodies, rhythms and chord sequences. There will be opportunities for participants to share original ideas that could be brought to life in the group setting.
The aim is to collaborate then create and record a track everyone can take home as an MP3. We will have a small studio set up where we can record and edit sounds. We will use drums as an initial point for group improvisation and performance; then we will give structure to our performances for a potential showcase at the end of the course. We will listen to familiar songs and play along with them.
Starting Monday 11th March
(Ages 13 - 17)
6pm – 7.30pm
FREE OF CHARGE
Course dates:
March 11, 18, 25
April 1st bank holiday
April 8th Tutor on leave
April 15, 22, 29
May 6th bank holiday
May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10 & 17
Location:
MK Dons Brooklands Pavilion, Countess Way, Brooklands, Milton Keynes MK10 7HN
︎https://what3words.com/mason.rugs.sometimes
There are 10 spaces available on a first come, first served basis.
If interested please contact naomi@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
(Ages 13 - 17)
6pm – 7.30pm
FREE OF CHARGE
Course dates:
March 11, 18, 25
April 1st bank holiday
April 8th Tutor on leave
April 15, 22, 29
May 6th bank holiday
May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10 & 17
Location:
MK Dons Brooklands Pavilion, Countess Way, Brooklands, Milton Keynes MK10 7HN
︎https://what3words.com/mason.rugs.sometimes
There are 10 spaces available on a first come, first served basis.
If interested please contact naomi@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
Good to know...
All workshops are FREE of charge and all materials are provided. Sessions are friendly and welcoming, and no previous arts/music experience is necessary. In the workshops we do not ask you to talk about why you are attending, but you will be asked to complete an evaluation form aimed at measuring the health benefits of participating.
How can a young person take part?
All HEADSTART programmes are available on a referral basis for young people who experience depression, stress, anxiety and/or pain. You can ask your GP, a support worker or health care provider if they think it would benefit you.
You can also refer your young person directly if you wish. Simply complete the form and return to us.
Referral Forms:
For a referral form please download the form below:
Referral Form Word.doc
or contact us on:
︎ referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.
︎ 01908 996124
What happens?
When we receive your referral we will contact you and invite you to attend one of our HEADSTART programmes.
HEADSTART Gallery of Recent Artworks
︎Looking for Activities to try at home whilst we process your referral?
Have you tried our online activities yet? There is plenty to explore from home including photography ideas, painting tips and music to listen to. Explore here
Headstart is funded by Big Lottery Community Fund
Office
Arts for Health Milton Keynes
Facilities Directorate
Milton Keynes Hospital
Standing Way
Eaglestone
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
Privacy Policy
Arts for Health Milton Keynes
Facilities Directorate
Milton Keynes Hospital
Standing Way
Eaglestone
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
Privacy Policy
Arts for Health Milton Keynes is the working name of MK Arts for Health charity number 1107625 company number 05137693