Gateshead arts programme celebrated for changing lives of people in recovery
A Gateshead arts programme is being recognised for its work in changing the lives of people in recovery.
The Shipley Art Gallery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award presented by the Museums Association. The Museums Change Lives Awards celebrate the achievements of museums that are making a difference to the lives of their communities across the UK.
The Shipley Art Gallery's 'Recovery through Ceramics' programme has been shortlisted for the Best Small Museum Project Award, which recognises the best project at museums with an annual turnover of less than £320,000.
As part of the Public Health service at Gateshead Council, The Shipley Art Gallery considers the health and wellbeing benefits of creativity and the arts in all its work.
Recovery through Ceramics, funded through an NHS Mental Health Transformation grant, supports the Shipley's mission to help Gateshead people with their wellbeing. This programme is particularly important to the local community as according to latest ONS figures, more people die as a result of drug use in the North East than anywhere else in the England.
The programme aims to increase participants' confidence and wellbeing whilst promoting peer support and resilience. They also learn professional skills through practical research, curatorial work, and gallery interpretation activities, which can help towards future employment.
This year's Museums Change Lives Awards will take place in Leeds on Tuesday 12 November 2024 as part of the Museums Association's annual conference.
Ricky Vasey, Recovery Connections Service Manager in Gateshead, said: "Commitment over long periods can sometimes be a struggle for some of the people we work with, for many different reasons, however for the majority I have seen this commitment grow. I hear people talk about how much they have enjoyed the group when they return from sessions.
"Recovery from addiction brings with it many emotions and the opportunity to discuss and create pieces of art can work as a positive release. Overcoming low self-esteem issues and the challenge of stigma is difficult, however seeing people become proud and confident enough to display their work is brilliant."
Neil, Kirsty and Jamie were two of the participants in Recovery through Ceramics.
Neil said: "The team at the gallery made me feel so welcome. They were always supportive and encouraged me to stay focused, reap the benefits and trust the process, developing my confidence to finally complete my piece. Something which I felt extremely proud of. Along with being able to show my family, it has been available to the public in the display cabinet.
"Hopefully, in the future I can develop more skills within the classroom at Shipley Art Gallery, progressing my skills that not only help to educate me, but are also beneficial to my mental health and gives me purpose, routine and a positive structure, along with connecting with like minded people in recovery."
Kirsty said: "I leant so many skills through ceramics, it helped build my confidence and I have gone on to work with Recovery Connections. All the staff supported me and made me feel like an equal, with no judgement from my addiction.
"Beginning my journey I feared I wasn't good enough. This was down to self-worth. In time, I was shown so much non-judgemental kindness to overcome my fears. They all focused on my strengths, and not my weaknesses. I am so happy with the pieces I have created."
Jamie said: "In learning ceramics, my well-being and mental health has improved. Learning to make things puts you in the moment and nothing else matters. The pieces I have made are something I never dreamed of. I'm so grateful for the experience."
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "The achievements of the people who participated in Recovery through Ceramics is something to be celebrated.
"Taking the first step to recovery can be daunting, and it can often feel isolating for those doing it on their own. By supporting recovery with creative group activities such as this programme, we can help people to feel safe and comfortable in non-judgemental environments that they are more likely to return to for continuous support.
"The arts and health and wellbeing have always worked hand in hand, and we're proud of our offer for residents in Gateshead who are interested in recovery from addiction."
Gateshead Recovery Partnership is in Jackson Street, close to the Gateshead Interchange. Recovery Connections also operate a facility at Leam Lane Community Hub, on the ground floor of the centre, below the library.
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, and is looking for support in Gateshead, you can find out more by calling 0191 5947821, or visiting the website.
A Gateshead arts programme is being recognised for its work in changing the lives of people in recovery.
The Shipley Art Gallery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award presented by the Museums Association. The Museums Change Lives Awards celebrate the achievements of museums that are making a difference to the lives of their communities across the UK.
The Shipley Art Gallery's 'Recovery through Ceramics' programme has been shortlisted for the Best Small Museum Project Award, which recognises the best project at museums with an annual turnover of less than £320,000.
As part of the Public Health service at Gateshead Council, The Shipley Art Gallery considers the health and wellbeing benefits of creativity and the arts in all its work.
Recovery through Ceramics, funded through an NHS Mental Health Transformation grant, supports the Shipley's mission to help Gateshead people with their wellbeing. This programme is particularly important to the local community as according to latest ONS figures, more people die as a result of drug use in the North East than anywhere else in the England.
The programme aims to increase participants' confidence and wellbeing whilst promoting peer support and resilience. They also learn professional skills through practical research, curatorial work, and gallery interpretation activities, which can help towards future employment.
This year's Museums Change Lives Awards will take place in Leeds on Tuesday 12 November 2024 as part of the Museums Association's annual conference.
Ricky Vasey, Recovery Connections Service Manager in Gateshead, said: "Commitment over long periods can sometimes be a struggle for some of the people we work with, for many different reasons, however for the majority I have seen this commitment grow. I hear people talk about how much they have enjoyed the group when they return from sessions.
"Recovery from addiction brings with it many emotions and the opportunity to discuss and create pieces of art can work as a positive release. Overcoming low self-esteem issues and the challenge of stigma is difficult, however seeing people become proud and confident enough to display their work is brilliant."
Neil, Kirsty and Jamie were two of the participants in Recovery through Ceramics.
Neil said: "The team at the gallery made me feel so welcome. They were always supportive and encouraged me to stay focused, reap the benefits and trust the process, developing my confidence to finally complete my piece. Something which I felt extremely proud of. Along with being able to show my family, it has been available to the public in the display cabinet.
"Hopefully, in the future I can develop more skills within the classroom at Shipley Art Gallery, progressing my skills that not only help to educate me, but are also beneficial to my mental health and gives me purpose, routine and a positive structure, along with connecting with like minded people in recovery."
Kirsty said: "I leant so many skills through ceramics, it helped build my confidence and I have gone on to work with Recovery Connections. All the staff supported me and made me feel like an equal, with no judgement from my addiction.
"Beginning my journey I feared I wasn't good enough. This was down to self-worth. In time, I was shown so much non-judgemental kindness to overcome my fears. They all focused on my strengths, and not my weaknesses. I am so happy with the pieces I have created."
Jamie said: "In learning ceramics, my well-being and mental health has improved. Learning to make things puts you in the moment and nothing else matters. The pieces I have made are something I never dreamed of. I'm so grateful for the experience."
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "The achievements of the people who participated in Recovery through Ceramics is something to be celebrated.
"Taking the first step to recovery can be daunting, and it can often feel isolating for those doing it on their own. By supporting recovery with creative group activities such as this programme, we can help people to feel safe and comfortable in non-judgemental environments that they are more likely to return to for continuous support.
"The arts and health and wellbeing have always worked hand in hand, and we're proud of our offer for residents in Gateshead who are interested in recovery from addiction."
Gateshead Recovery Partnership is in Jackson Street, close to the Gateshead Interchange. Recovery Connections also operate a facility at Leam Lane Community Hub, on the ground floor of the centre, below the library.
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, and is looking for support in Gateshead, you can find out more by calling 0191 5947821, or visiting the website.
