Tony first visited Cheltenham Open Door in the 1990s after a period of unemployment. Although Tony’s Dad supported him at the time, Open Door became a place where he could build confidence, socialise, and break the isolation of spending time alone in his flat. Over the years, it has continued to be an important anchor in his life, particularly through significant challenges such as his diagnosis of bowel cancer, from which he is now five years clear.
Tony has a long-standing interest in art, having gained an O-level in the subject, he considered attending art college before choosing to start working instead. He has been drawing since the age of thirteen and has kept many of his early sketches, especially enjoying freehand drawing and cartoon-style characters.
Beginning Creative Arts with Artlift
Tony’s involvement in creative sessions began when he and his friend Joseph (also attending Open Door) joined in with some of the creative activities on offer. Heather, part of the Open Door team, introduced Tony and Joseph to Artlift Facilitator, Amy. Together, they began exploring arts and crafts, starting with scrapbooking.
What motivated Tony to join the sessions was the opportunity to try new creative approaches, he’s now been taking part in arts activities with Amy for the past two years.
Creative Activities and Favourite Projects
Tony now enjoys exploring creative techniques, from traditional drawing to more experimental approaches using vegetable dyes and food colouring. One of his highlights was contributing to the Bridge Art Project along the Honeybourne Line in Cheltenham. People were invited to create their own graffiti-style artwork and Tony designed and painted his very own medieval flag, a piece he is particularly proud of.
Tony shares what he enjoys most is the sense of togetherness in the art projects:
“It was great to be together; we could spend as much or as little time on our artwork as we liked.”
The freedom, group company, and shared purpose of creating something for the wider Open Door community felt particularly important.
Impact on Health, Wellbeing, and Social Connections /everyday life
Tony experienced some particular improvements in his emotional wellbeing: He feels “more peaceful and happier” finding daily life less stressful. Creative activity has become a positive calming influence, helping him manage better when he is overthinking or feeling anxious.
Tony shares that he’s made some good friends through the arts sessions, explaining how the social aspect feels as valuable to him as the creative work itself:
“It makes you feel part of a bonded group.”
Participation has had a notable positive effect on Tony’s mental health and confidence, he is worrying less and feeling calmer overall. Meeting new people and having structured creative activities has significantly helped reduce isolation and supported his emotional resilience. Tony commented:
“Anything to help me de-stress is a bonus really.”
Skills and Personal Growth
Through working with Amy, Tony has developed new artistic skills and techniques. He has broadened his interests beyond drawing, discovering new creative approaches such as natural dyeing and mixed-media crafts. He enjoys paying more attention to learning and experimenting, rather than relying solely on familiar techniques.
Looking Ahead
Amy has provided Tony with information about local social art clubs, and he plans to join one when he feels ready, possibly in the coming weeks. He also intends to make to make dedicated space in his flat for art materials so he can continue creating at home.
Tony’s Message
Tony hopes for wider cultural change around men’s mental health, saying:
“Not enough men speak about their mental health. I’d like to see that change.”
He believes strongly in the value of programmes like Open Door and Artlift. His message to those who might be unsure of their benefits is clear:
“Invest in the arts, crafts and creativity, it helps de-stress and reduce the risks of depression and anxiety for more people.”
Tony’s experiences with both Open Door and Artlift clearly demonstrate how creative engagement is a powerful, non‑stigmatising route to belonging and community. Supporting wellbeing, facilitating social connections, and helping people rediscover their interests and confidence.
If you are an individual living in Gloucestershire and would like to put yourself forward for our Create Well, Living Well or Men's Wellbeing programmes, please...
If you are a health, VCSE or social prescribing professional, or are working with a patient / service user