In October 2015, MAITS funded Therapeutic Art trainers, Lesley Hill and Joanna Pearce, to deliver training to 65 Neuropyschology and Psychiatry students, Clinical Officers in training and professional hospital staff from all disciplines. The training took place at the University Teaching Hospital (University of Zambia), Chainama Hills Hospital, and Chainama Hills College in Lusaka, Zambia.

The training was in the therapeutic use of art to enhance communication and relationship- building for Mental Health and Social Care professionals.

The training was highly practice-based, and covered theory, experiential art exercises and techniques, observation and recording methods and supervised practice with patients.

Objectives of Training 1.To provide training to health professionals and trainees in the therapeutic use of art 2.To conduct a full evaluation of the training and the active processes within it in order to create replicable models 3.To ensure the supported use of the skills in clinical practice 4. To establish the training as formal parts of the pre-service curricula 5. Explore and implement a TOT programme

In the reflective evaluation part of the training, trainees reported learning about what art making can achieve in terms of accessing memory and emotion, stated that it was a new way to relate positively to their patients and a means to allow patients to reveal their stories and concerns at their own pace.

Trainees found that using art therapeutically led to better and quicker diagnosis, leading to more accurate treatment plans, better patient care, and outcomes. The levelling effect of using these skills was seen as particularly useful in reducing stigma, and enabling patients to have a voice.

Here are a few comments from trainees who participated in the programme: Things they discovered: “How powerful art is in accessing memory and expressing emotions” “Therapeutic art breaks down barriers and makes a bridge”

What they feel they can now achieve: “I can use creativity to change how patients feel” “I can practice more confidently, and have a wider range of skills” “I let things come from the patient; I listen and give time”

Improvements in how trainers relate to patients: “I feel a rebalance of power in relationships” “I can see hidden things emerge through non-verbal as well as verbal communications” “I use art as a starting point to communicate”

What the patients gained… After the trainees delivered their first session of training, they observed the following changes in patients: “They think more effectively through exercising choice and control” “They feel listened to, a sense of achievement, and relaxed and relieved through expressing myself and sharing” “They interact through sharing ideas and materials”

The future Trainees agreed on the importance of using Therapeutic Art regularly, creating good environments for training, and sharing findings in their future practice.