We deliver innovative and inclusive arts activities, events and exhibitions in health care and community settings. We are based at Milton Keynes University Hospital where we care for the art collection, organise an annual programme of temporary exhibitions and events for staff.

Why the community needs us
We deliver a series of arts workshops for different groups of people facing health challenges. Since 2004, Arts for Health has connected people and inspired them to use their own creativity. Our beneficiaries repeatedly report feeling increased confidence to move forward with their lives. Our ambitious, accessible and diverse program has engaged some of the hardest to reach – people living with complex social and mental health needs, dementia, people with disabilities, long term conditions such as cancer, and many other groups – making a real, lasting difference.

Our impact on the community
In community settings, Arts for Health MK now has an established program of Arts on Prescription and HEADSTART courses (for young people), running since 2010, supporting people with mild to moderate mental health concerns to tap into and realise their own creativity. Our adult Arts on Prescription courses have reached hundreds of people and communities affected by poor mental health every year. Participants report growing in confidence, improvements in mood, increased energy and sociability and reduced isolation and loneliness. They have a renewed enthusiasm for and belief in their own creative ability which brings great joy.

"I really look forward to our art sessions. It is good to meet different people and chat. I have been inspired to try different techniques and it is always a boost when you receive positive feedback. I suffer from chronic pain and the sessions give me a mood lift which takes away from feeling too down about it. Thank you to all involved."