Our traditional, atelier-style Classical Drawing classes have had an unexpected impact: participants have reported relief from chronic physical and mental health conditions. We’ll fund free classes for those in need, delivering health benefits and understanding more about the power of drawing.
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There is a rising prevalence of low level and chronic health conditions across the UK: chronic pain, low mood, Long Covid and more. Frequently people become isolated, finding their condition steals the joy from activities they once enjoyed. Treatment can be fragmented between different services, and sometimes only manages symptoms without addressing the wider impact. These conditions are more common in lower-income households, and often lead to worsening poverty.
A pilot course at Bishop Auckland’s Spanish Gallery has demonstrated real, therapeutic benefit. Based on the classical ‘atelier’ teaching style, it requires painstaking focus: 30 hours on each piece, in pursuit of perfection. Sounds agonising..? …Entirely the opposite. One participant was able to significantly reduce her pain medication. Others reported powerful changes in their state of mind. Outcomes are so positive, it is being accessed via a Social Prescribing network to those in need.
