Arts for Health Milton Keynes (AfHMK) is proud to announce the launch of Belonging: Finding
Place, Identity and Connection through Art — a new Arts on Prescription course developed in
partnership with Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH), Milton Keynes City Council and
Woughton Community Council (WCC), and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as
part of the New City Art Collection project.
Delivered over two years, the programme will offer four six-week courses for adults referred
through social prescribing pathways and residing in the MK6 postal code area. Participants will
explore themes of belonging, identity and connection through guided engagement with artworks
from the MKUH Art Collection and local heritage. Designed for individuals experiencing
loneliness, anxiety, long-term health conditions or life transitions, the course provides a
welcoming, non-clinical space for reflection, creativity and social connection.
Participant artwork from an Arts on Prescription course held in 2025.
Above left to right: Lydia Tabusa – body scan exercise collage; Pippa & Ashleigh - trash to treasure
collages.
Taking place at community venues neighbouring MKUH in the priority areas of Eaglestone,
Netherfield and Coffee Hall; each weekly session combines gentle discussion, creative activity
and shared reflection. Participants are supported to respond to artwork in ways that feel
meaningful to them, with no prior artistic experience required.
“Belonging is a fundamental part of wellbeing,” said a spokesperson for Arts for Health Milton
Keynes. “This programme creates space for people to reconnect — with themselves, with
others, and with the places they live — through creativity and shared experience.”
The course draws on the MKUH Art Collection, which plays an important role in enhancing the
hospital environment. Displayed throughout Milton Keynes University Hospital, the collection
oAers moments of calm and reflection while celebrating the stories, identities and creativity of
local communities. By extending engagement with these works into community settings, the
programme strengthens the connection between the hospital and the people it serves.
Participants will benefit from: -
Improved wellbeing through creative engagement and social interaction
- Increased confidence in self-expression
- A stronger sense of connection to place, identity and community
- Opportunities to engage with local heritage in accessible, personal ways
Each session follows a consistent and supportive structure, including guided artwork
encounters and low-pressure creative activities such as collage, drawing and collaborative
making. All activities are adaptable to meet a wide range of physical, sensory and cognitive
access needs.
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Above: Jen – drawing reflections on the word ‘Peace’.
The programme is facilitated by experienced artists working in health and community contexts,
supported by trained volunteers. Sessions are carefully designed to ensure that participation is
always voluntary, with appropriate support and signposting available throughout.
By activating the New City Art Collection as a living, community resource, the programme will
contribute to a legacy for arts and health in Milton Keynes. Insights and anonymised participant
reflections will help shape future delivery and support wider conversations about belonging,
care and community.
Please visit our Arts on Prescription page for course details.
Referrals can be made by individuals, GPs or other
health professionals.
︎ Download the referral form here.
For bookings and referrals enquiries please email: referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk
“Saving our 'New City Collection' and reframing its future with local communities” is made
possible with
The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have
been able to undertake this wide ranging and exciting new conservation and development
project at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
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Above: Jen – drawing reflections on the word ‘Peace’.
