Monday, 5th October 2015
Due to a lack of funding, the much-loved Arts On Prescription programme has recently been closed. Operated by Pendle Leisure Trust, the project provided art courses free of charge to adults suffering from depression, anxiety, isolation and low self-esteem. Courses include crafts, drawing, painting, creative writing, cookery, cake baking and textiles.
Changes made by Lancashire County Council and the end of Target Well-being funding means that the Pendle Leisure Trust Team can no longer provide the project. Since the news broke on The Arts On Prescription Facebook page, tributes and concerns in equal measure have flooded in.*
“It's a disgrace that these little projects designed to help people are to close, especially with the media reporting more on mental health. I benefited a great deal from the class I attended, and know other attendees with me did too. There is no price that can be put on well-being. Only, it seems that there is."
“Very sad news, that was a brilliant project and was so beneficial to so many people including me.”
“Very very sad to hear this news. These courses have been a lifeline to some and an important stepping stone to a brighter future. Anyone know of any appropriate funding streams so it can continue? Thank you to all on the AOP scheme and all your hard work.”
“This is such sad news! They helped me so much!”
“This is such a crying shame. As a tutor on AOP I am so sad to see this go. The impact these courses had on people in Pendle cannot be underestimated, neither can the power of art and community as therapeutic means of inclusion in society. A very sad state of affairs.”
“It’s a shame and I don't think it will be the last service to suffer either, I benefited myself form this scheme and it was a great asset to the area.”
“Terrible news. And a disgrace that there is no funding available considering that the NHS is desperate to find new ways of dealing with mental health in order to alleviate pressure on NHS services. Can the CCG not provide some funding for this essential service?”
“I've been an AOP tutor for at least 6 years.. I'm so sad to see this invaluable programme come to an end. I've seen first hand the change in the people that came along to the courses. I've laughed and cried most weeks. It was very much a part of my life too! I believed in it as a tool to heal... And heal it did. I do hope it can run again some time soon.”
“This is so sad, I have benefited greatly in many ways from AOP over the past few years and am so grateful to you all - if there is anything we can do please let us know!”
Did you benefit from the work of Arts On Prescription? You can leave your tribute to the team on their official Facebook page:
*Please note: some responses have been edited for grammatical and editorial purposes.