Arts on Prescription | Cambridge, St Ives and Peterborough

Arts and Minds is an arts and mental health charity, established in 2007 and based in Cambridgeshire. The charity is linked to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation NHS Trust and the former Cambridgeshire PCT. Arts and Minds delivers programmes for people with mental health issues and/or learning difficulties. It offers a 12-week programme of two-hour art workshops for people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety as an alternative to CBT. GPs, health promotion workers, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and counsellors can refer clients directly to Arts on Prescription using a referral form. Led by a professional artist and supported by a counsellor, each session offers the chance to work in various media (e.g. drawing, collage, clay and wirework) with the objective of decreasing anxiety and/or depression, while increasing wellbeing. The programme also includes facilitated group visits to museums and galleries. Arts on Prescription sessions provide a safe and therapeutic environment where participants feel mutually respected and can explore their creativity with like-minded individuals.