Norfolk Arts and Wellbeing Programme

A major arts and well-being Action Research project across Norfolk to support local arts organisations to pilot creative interventions for vulnerable older and young people. Priority groups were identified as: - young carers - young people in transition from Children’s Services to Adult support services - Older people in care settings - Those with early onset dementia

The core aims of the programme include: - improving quality of life and promoting wellbeing through involvement in participatory arts activities; - encouraging and supporting independence; - developing confidence and self-esteem through participation; - enabling and supporting creative expression; - ensuring sustainability and long term commitment.

Why did we want to undertake this work: - to create a singular piece of evidence; - to trial new or expanded approaches to cultural delivery; - to build the capacity of the participating arts organisations; - to create a stronger link between the arts and wellbeing sectors.

How did we do this? Consultation with key user groups and general public Pilot participatory programmes Evaluation and monitoring

509 people completed a physical or online survey. Of these: 53% would like to do more activities 32% would like to get healthier 31% would like to find new interests 31% would like to make more friends 25% would like to build confidence

With £20 to spend on creative or cultural activities: 33% would see a theatre show 26% would watch a film 23% would engage in arts and craft activities 22% would take a music workshop 11% would take a dance workshop

When asked what prevents people from doing so: 28% said lack of transport 27% said no money 20% said lack of confidence 17% said nothing 14% said health problems

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: 70% of participants demonstrated increased wellbeing against the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (61% when we combine all forms of monitoring approaches)

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: Participants said they felt: Happy = 63% Connected = 43% Confident = 33% Inspired = 30% Educated = 28%

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: 73% of participants felt less isolated

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: 59% of participants had communicated with new or more people

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: 62% of participants considered their experience had helped to raise or maintain their confidence

As a result of participation in arts and cultural activities: 69% of participants would like to do more arts or cultural activity

But when we dig deeper into this we find that: Only 40% felt empowered to find ways to access similar activities. 23% did not. Only 29% were more aware of the types of cultural activity they could take part in. 47% were not. Only 33% were likely to seek out other arts and cultural experiences. 53% were not.

85% of participants thought that this kind of arts and cultural activity was important to have access to

An arts and community development charity working with a range of communities across Norfolk, Suffolk and the east to offer volunteering opportunities, health and wellbeing projects and cultural education.

Ways in which Creative Arts East engages with older people.....

Our Day Out An arts and culture programme for people living with the early to mid stages of dementia and their carers. Our Day Out

They work with voluntary promoting groups to bring professional performing companies and artists to perform in their village or community venue. Volunteers promote the event and work in partnership with the rural touring scheme. The rural touring scheme produces a programme of shows that groups can choose from. Voluntary promoters make their selection and receive contracting, marketing and financial support from the scheme to enable their event to happen. What is rural touring?

Is a community cinema scheme which works in partnership with volunteers to bring the latest film releases and classic titles to rural or underserved communities Is a rural touring scheme which works in partnership with volunteers to bring live performance to rural or underserved communities

In , across Norfolk and Suffolk, Creative Arts East supported: 590 events Reaching over 44,000 people £114,000 per year for local venues

Supports the community by.... Decreasing isolation67% Supporting social connectedness62% Developing and supporting volunteers 40% Developing skills within the community26% Furthermore volunteers felt that their involvement has... Given me a sense of personal satisfaction60% Increased skills40% Helped me make new connections38% Increased my confidence20%

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