Arts for Health Milton Keynes

01908996124

Using arts and creativity to improve health and well-being.

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, events for staff, and manage the Creative Courtyards.

Why the community needs us
In the wider community we deliver a series of art workshops for many 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 living with cancer, and many other similar groups – making a real, lasting difference.

Our impact on the community
In community-based 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 in our experience.

"I really look forward to our Monday afternoon 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 to confidence 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."

Image credits:
Giverney 1 (2020) acrylic on canvas, © David H Jones
The 'Look around You' exhibition installation view
MK DAD 2021 MK Snap workshop

Facebook: @artsforhealthmiltonkeynes
Twitter: @artsforhealthmk
Instagram: arts_for_health_mk_collection

Volunteers needed

We are looking for volunteers with admin skills, gardening skills, and art skills.

What your gift could provide

£15

provides materials for our free to access arts on prescription workshops

£33

pays for an artist to facilitate a 1-hour workshop for one of our groups in the community or @ MKUH

£50

contributes to the upkeep & conservation of the public art collection and Creative courtyards @ MKUH

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Arts for Health Milton Keynes

Telephone: 01908996124

Address: Facilities Directorate, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK6 5LD

Established in: 2007

Registered charity no.: 1107625