This report evaluates an Arts on Prescription pilot project, funded by North West Leicestershire District Council’s “Staying Healthy Partnership” grant, and planned and delivered by Beauty and Utility Arts and Little Bird SOS, both local arts for health social enterprises.

The project, aimed at patients experiencing low level mental health issues, took place at a GP surgery. 12 patients took part and were referred by GPs, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) or self referred. Participants were offered six weeks of the following creative activities (each lasting two hours): mark making; printmaking; collage; willow weaving; stitchcraft; textiles.

Data was collected via pre and post intervention questionnaires, with the opportunity to give qualitative feedback. The three measures used (WEMWBS, GAD-7 and PHQ-9) demonstrated a mean overall improvement in wellbeing, anxiety and depression scores following the art intervention period. Whilst a positive result, and one that adds to the growing case for arts as a social prescribing tool for patients with low level mental health difficulties, the numbers participating are not enough for this to be statistically significant. Further investigation is recommended, with a larger sample size.

Brown K., and Pidgeon L. (2016). Arts on Prescription North West Leicestershire: Evaluation Report. UK: Beauty and Utility Arts