Arts for the Blues training course launched for mental health practitioners

Arts for Blues is a pioneering scheme aimed at tackling depression, low mood, and anxiety. The creative therapy model focuses on groupwork that uses a wide range of creative approaches - such as visual art, creative writing, music, drama and movement - all adapted to each person’s individual needs.

The initiative was established in 2014 originally developed by researchers at the University of Salford and Edge Hill University. It was recently awarded new funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to develop a CPD training package for organisations and individuals.

The team have been delivering training to NHS practitioners over recent months and are now opening up the opportunity more widely with the introduction of the CPD course.

Professor Scott Thurston co-founded the project alongside Dr Joanna Omylinska-Thurston at the University of Salford, as well as Professor Vicky Karkou at Edge Hill University.

Joanna said: "I've worked for the NHS for 25 years and it means a lot to me that we can now train psychological therapists to deliver this alternative approach to mental health care. We know that creative approaches can help to reach some of the most disadvantaged members of our community to whom talking therapy does not always appeal."

During the one-day course participants will explore the Arts for the Blues model including the theoretical framework and the key ingredients the programme bases itself on. Alongside more formal presentations, a large part of the training will be experiential, where participants will have the opportunity to experience creative techniques and begin to design their own activities.

Find out more about the course and book your place.