Stress-busting art group scoops learners' award

Released: Tuesday 6 May 2008

Members of a Wolverhampton art group which helps people suffering from stress, anxiety and depression have scooped an award.

Eight regulars from the Art 4 Health group, run by the city council’s Adult Education Service, will travel to Stoke-on-Trent to pick up their award at a ceremony to mark Adult Learners Week later this month.

The winning group meets weekly at Bilston Craft Gallery where they take part in a range of therapeutic activities.  Apart from learning drawing, watercolours, acrylics and collage, they also benefit from the opportunity to view gallery work with their tutor.

Bev Dedicoat, tutor and Art 4 Health co-ordinator, said: “The therapeutic nature of the Art 4 Health classes makes it ideal for anyone recovering from stress, anxiety or mild depression, or for carers who need a bit of respite.

“The sessions are designed to get people to concentrate on just one thing – learning about art.

“Some find they have got real artistic talents and go on to do further education in art, others go into mainstream learning in other areas.  For some it is simply a chance to relieve some of the anxiety and stress of daily life.

“Learning together in groups gives them back their confidence and self belief.  Some students have used their knowledge to help their children or other family members.  Others are able to relate their experiences to others who have mental health or social exclusion issues.”

Now the efforts of the group have been recognised with a Regional Museums Libraries and Archives West Midlands Special Adult Learners' Week Award for Groups.

Members Tracy Callow, David Hicken, Ann Siedlarczyk, Val Elwell, Diane Causer, Julie Rudge, Kim Manley and Peter Davis will collect the award – along with £200 to spend on materials to help them carry on learning.

Art 4 Health classes are run by Wolverhampton City Council in partnership with Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust and take place at the Adult Education Service’s headquarters at Old Hall Street; Pendeford Community Learning Centre and Bilston Craft Gallery.

People wanting to join need to be referred by their GP, nurse or healthcare professional.

Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest learning celebration.  It encourages adults, whatever their age and background, to give learning a go – whether it’s learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion.

For more information about Art 4 Health classes, call Sian Fletcher or Val Sadkowska on 01902 558164 or e-mail enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Issued by the press office.