We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in achieving a small grant from the Scottish Government’s Third Sector fund, managed by Inspiring Scotland.
We will run a six session programme to facilitate, through artistic responses, the exploration of women’s experiences of perinatal mental health services in Scotland.
The group will respond to themes around their experiences of perinatal mental health care, for example, language used by professionals, barriers to access, stigma and self-stigma, issues of identity. The group will be provided with artistic materials and guided by a group leader as to their use.
The artwork produced by the group will be exhibited in public forums, such as the Maternal Mental Health Conference, and be offered as a touring exhibition for NHS Boards.
Group facilitator Elaine Connell said:
‘Being creative can be really therapeutic, and is an effective way to communicate difficult emotions and thoughts. Allowing the participants to express their experiences of perinatal mental health services in this way, will add depth to their stories, and hopefully have a lasting impact on individuals and service providers who will view this important work.’
Elaine brings skills and experience from her work with mums on Blank Canvas Peer Support, currently at Home Start Glasgow North.
