Getting involved with the arts can have powerful and lasting effects on health, helping to protect against a range of mental health conditions, manage mental ill-health and support recovery.
Engaging in the arts, social activities and interaction within our communities can help with major challenges, such as ageing and loneliness by boosting confidence and making us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression and stress. (Mental Health Foundation)
“Enjoying good mental health should be an equally accessible goal for all of us,
yet it is often out of reach for many. ”
Limited social networks and low activity contribute to ill-health
People with a learning disability often experience more risk factors for mental illness, such as unemployment, low earning capacity, limited social networks and low levels of activity, alongside other factors to do with physical health and past experiences.
One study evaluates that mental health problems among people with learning disabilities may be as high as 54 per cent (Cooper et al, 2007).
Social exclusion, loneliness and a lack of friends present many people with intellectual disability with a health and well-being triple jeopardy (McVilly et al. 2006a). Although the importance of participation and inclusion to health and well-being is well known, people with intellectual disability are likely to need support in this area of life just as they need support in many other areas of life (Jaques et al. BILD 2016).
People with intellectual disability often have few friends and experience social exclusion, yet many want to socialise, have friends and be part of their community and simply need support to access it. People with learning disabilities find that having a support system and a sense of community is critical to wellbeing. Socialisation and peer interaction are essential for those with learning disabilities to combat social exclusion.
The value of participating in the performing arts
Taking part in theatre helps develop communication by encouraging listening and reacting and promotes creativity. Indeed, studies have shown that students with disabilities can benefit from creative drama, particularly through improved social skills and oral expressiveness. (De la Cruz, R. E. 1995).
At Blue Apple, our performers tell us how much taking part and performing matters to them. Here is a clip of actor Sam Dace on the value Blue Apple brings to his life.
Having things to look forward to, including activities we find fun, can help us cope with difficult situations.
That’s one of the tips in a leaflet the Mental Health Foundation has produced to help with good mental health. Read more of their top tips here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/mhf-our-best-ever-mental-health-tips-backed-by-research_0.pdf
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