What We Do
Arts on Prescription
For adults living with mental health challenges and/or a long-term health condition, we are a creative space for them to recover because of the experience of the artists, the relaxed atmosphere, and the personalised approach.
Artlift runs arts programmes for anyone registered with a doctor in Gloucestershire or Wiltshire and is …
… living with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety
… managing long-term conditions like chronic pain
… living with or moving on from cancer
We are a specialist creative health charity providing arts on prescription with proven health benefits for people registered with a GP in Gloucestershire or Wiltshire.
These creative groups are free for participants. Materials are provided and / or our artists encourage re-use of materials found around the house or garden.
To bring down barriers at this time of COVID, you can now apply for a course direct to us, as long as you are either registered with a GP in Gloucestershire or Wiltshire.
Artlift is different from Art Therapy
We provide a safe space where our trained artists use creativity to support the mental and / or physical wellbeing of each person who joins us. We focus on the activity and / or the social interaction, not on a participant’s medical condition.
Most people join our groups, usually with a maximum of twelve people, working alongside an Artlift artist. Groups explore art together for about two hours per week for ten weeks.
Artlift also provides a limited number of places per term for participants who face more complex health challenges, or who are unable to join us online.
Our activities vary. We focus on creativity rather than technical skill and participants can choose a group to suit their schedule and interests. No skill, talent or experience in art is needed.
We currently run the following courses:
Are you a Gloucestershire or Wiltshire health or social prescribing professional?
GPs and other professionals can refer people for a course of art either alongside or instead of medication and other interventions. If you are interested in setting up an Artist in Residency, please contact our Executive Director to discuss how we can shape a service that meets your needs – cath@artlift.org.
How to take part
Our courses are free if you need to improve your wellbeing. Full information is available on our referrals page.
- How to be referred by a GP in Gloucestershire
- How to be referred by a GP in Wiltshire
- Book in direct, please visit our courses page or contact us on 03000 200 102 or artlift.referrals@nhs.net
Participants must have a confirmed place before attending a group.
Are you a Gloucestershire or MPCC GP or health practitioner?
GPs and other professionals can refer people for an art course either alongside or instead of medication and other interventions.
Please contact us if you are a medical or other professional and would like to host an Artist in Residence.
