Our Projects
Migrant and Refugee Project
Supported by the Big Lottery Fund
2017 / 2018 / 2019
This is a three-year partnership project working with migrant and refugee support agencies in East Anglia. We are working with migrants and refugees who have fled from war-torn countries like Syria, Kurdistan and Iraq, Congo, South Sudan and Somalia, and that wish to participate and to benefit from arts psychotherapy; exploring their migrant and refugee journeys.
The
Golden Yew
Project
The
Golden Yew
Project
In these group sessions Arts Psychotherapy has helped 10 participants in each cohort group to support each other, to make sense of their experiences together and gain more clarity as to their future directions. Where a common verbal language was a barrier to communication, art-making provided the means of communication. Using mixed media art materials enabled participants with a deep need to express, to process, communicate and make meaning of their complex stories. At the end of the project, the artwork will be exhibited in various public spaces using a portable exhibition.
"I have really enjoyed making art with women from all over the world who have suffered like I have, we miss our families and it is unbearable to think I may never see them again, making art together and sharing our stories has made me feel less alone in my pain."
Better Mental Health & Wellbeing Through Arts Psychotherapy & Counselling
Supported by the Big Lottery Fund
2015 / 2016
This project was launched to improve mental health and wellbeing through engagement with Arts Psychotherapy. Working with mental health charities and NHS partners the project targeted those on low incomes and with enduring mental health challenges. Over 25 adults in London, Sussex, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds have benefitted by accessing support through 1-1 and group Art Psychotherapy. Using the CORE therapy measurement form, participants reported increased personal insight and understanding, improved expression of feelings, better coping strategies, enhanced wellbeing and personal relationships.
"I went to Arts Psychotherapy because I felt worried and anxious all of the time and my relationships were bad. I had 40 sessions where I explored my issues and have learnt to see myself differently. My relationships have improved and I have more confidence, better communication and understanding of myself. It’s a mixture of the talking and the artwork, I have a softer feeling now and don’t jump to conclusions like I used to."
"Arts Psychotherapy enabled me to look at my difficult issues and come to terms with them. It has definitely transformed the way I think about myself and my relationships with others."
Suffolk Festival of Ideas
Supported by the Big Lottery Fund
2015 / 2016
The Golden Yew Project CIC were invited to facilitate an Arts Therapy workshop as part of the festival’s community activities. Gaby and Janey devised a 2 hour workshop with the heading ‘Time to Reflect - Time to Create’.
A space at The Meeting House in Bury St Edmunds was provided for attendees to take some time out from our hyper-consumeristic society and explore their inner creativity. 8 women participated in a forum of art making, visualisation, mindfulness, sharing and discussion.
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to express myself with the arts"
"I found the visualisation very powerful, it helped me to get in touch with deeper feelings"
"The facilitators made the space feel safe and they offered just enough guidance without being prescriptive"
