Room for Art - Art in Healthcare

Room for Art is a social prescribing project established by us in 2016 to provide a programme of visual art workshops within community spaces throughout Edinburgh. Pop up art studios are created where individuals can explore creativity with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.

Room for Art is a safe, supported space where people can take time for themselves, connect with others, learn new skills and have fun!

Creative
Sessions

We currently support over 70 people each week in Wester Hailes, Pilton, Southside, Portobello, and in the city centre. We also regularly run group exhibitions and trips.

With the support of professional artists and dedicated volunteers, participants can choose to explore a range of art techniques and materials. We use a person-centred approach where participants share their ideas and interests, and we shape workshops and activities accordingly.

For those that need more support, our staff can signpost participants to other services and we also offer Art Therapy.

Room for Art Workshop Timetable

Referrals

Our participants are referred for a variety of reasons - mental health challenges, long-term physical health conditions and/or are socially isolated and experiencing loneliness.

All workshops and materials are free. Referrals can be made by a professional or self-referral via our online form. We will always aim to place participants in groups located near their homes where possible.

Referrals are currently closed and once reopened the link can be found here:

Click here for a referral form.

For more information, please contact claire@artinhealthcare.org.uk

This work is made possible by our funders; Creative Scotland, Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, and The National Lottery.

Why take part?

Our participants have reported a range of benefits since joining our Room for Art groups. More social connection and feeling less isolated, improved mental wellbeing, increased resilience and strength to cope, feeling better about themselves with increased self-esteem and confidence and learning new skills.

Testimonies:

"I cope better with health issues and the uncertainty. Being creative in my own way gives me a different perspective on life."

Workshop participant

2022

"I really enjoy all the activities….and I have found a love for art that I never knew I had. It’s a great place to relax and de-stress from life at home."

Workshop participant

2022

"Having this support boosts mental / emotional health through “just being there” and knowing others are in a similar situation – I am not alone."

Workshop participant

2022

"We were very pleased with the artists and the techniques that were learnt. The artists were great facilitators and ran the workshops in a friendly and inclusive manner so everyone enjoyed it. The techniques were diverse, simple enough to be learnt easily and to achieve nice results, but also new and creative so participants felt interested and inspired."

Workshop participant

2022

"The Artists leading these sessions build really positive rapport with our participants showing sensitivity and understanding. They offer a range of art materials and techniques and responded to the interests of each participant to make the sessions meaningful. Participants have produced work in clay, watercolour, ink, acrylic, collage and they have been encouraged to connect with the nature of the garden around them - using stems and flowers as tools."

Workshop participant

2022

"Participants engage with Room for Art sessions on a number of levels - some want to learn techniques and develop their art making but they also look to explore their feelings and experiences. The tone of the sessions is supportive and at times very mindful. A recent participant fed back that it was a fun, interesting, colourful and collaborative thing to be involved with. For them, it was a real boost to their self esteem. "

Workshop participant

2022

Want to hear more?

If you are interested in connecting, please contact Iona, our Outreach Manager on +44 131 380 5824 or email Iona@artinhealthcare.org.uk.