Yesterday (9 October) saw the beginning of the Stockport Arts and Health week, which commenced with an inaugural event showcasing the breadth of mental health support available in Stockport.

Hosted by Arts for Recovery in the Community (Arc), this event had a particularly creative bent, highlighting the quite remarkable impacts of creative endeavours on mental health.

It was the first in a number of events taking place this week, all sharing the same fundamental idea: the power of creativity as an antidote to poor mental health.

The rest of the week will see country walks, poetry nights, music and art events, and more, all aimed at introducing more people to the power of self-care through artistry.

Jacqui Wood, CEO of Arc, said of creativity: "There are no side effects; it's a totally positive thing to do. It's playful, it's fun, and it can be very beautiful."

This idea is embedded in everything Arc does, and Monday's event (hosted at the Arc centre in the Hat Museum) is no exception. Lining the walls are artworks produced by patients from Stepping Hill Hospital's acute mental health wards; similarly, the rooms are filled with stalls and representatives from a myriad of local mental health organisations working alongside Arc.

Artwork by Stepping Hill Patients greets visitors on the way in (Image - Alasdair Perry)

What rings true throughout the event is that creative projects excel at redirecting one's mind away from negative thoughts, and in a way that is productive and accessible.

Creativity does not have to be an intimidating intrusion into one's deepest psyche - really, it is an exercise in perspective.

When you are writing lyrics, making music, or producing a painting, your problems can seem smaller and more remote - many people at this event say they forget them altogether when working on these kinds of projects.

As Jacqui says: "Really, the events are about connecting with people that perhaps have experienced something similar. Still, you don't have to talk about it. It's not talking therapy, it's not art therapy; it's doing art for the positive benefit of creating something wonderful.

"Some people like to talk about their experiences through the artwork. For other people, it's a distraction to get away from things. Either is fine."

Self Care Creatives, for example - one of the organisations at Monday's event - hosts regular craft events. Co-founder Kimberley said: "We provide the kits to do creative things that people might not otherwise be able to access. Beginners are more than welcome.

Steph from Self Care Creatives shows an ongoing embroidery project (Image - Alasdair Perry)

"It's always creativity-focussed, but it has the added benefit of impacting mental health in a positive way.

"When you're working on something, too, it's helpful that you're not obliged to talk if you don't want to.

"It's the chance to learn new things, become part of a community, and just prioritise your own wellbeing. That's why we set up what we do and why we love what we do."

Jacqui also says: "Arc is open to everybody - if anybody thinks this sounds right for them, come into our space on Thursday and Friday and look at the work, be inspired by the creativity.

"Everybody should have the opportunity to be creative, and to be inspired by other people's creativity."

If you fancy getting involved in an event this week, you can find a full list of what's on HERE.

Alternatively, you can find more information on Arc HERE.

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