Viv Young – Arts & Health Practitioner

As a freelance arts and health practitioner working mainly in community mental health I’d love to explore some of the sketchbook ideas in my work with adults.

I’ve seen how journal writing can be beneficial when moving through difficult times and would like to find out more about ways to incorporate visual materials. There’s potential also for the use of sketchbooks with people who have dementia.

Currently studying for a MA in Community and Participatory Arts at Staffordshire University I’m interested in further opportunities to extend my learning. I’m based in the Staffordshire Moorlands area where the Peak District rural landscape with its industrial heritage has inspired much of the local community arts work.

The Sketchbook Space project sounds like a fantastic way to share the benefits of creative expression, as well as difficulties in getting started, with many people from different backgrounds who have skills and experiences from which we all can learn.

Here are some images from my first workshop ‘making sketchbook journals’ at Borderland Voices. This is a local community arts group that promotes arts participation for wellbeing. The participants all gave a positive response to the activity and left with an assortment of sketchbooks they’d made, using recycled card and simple materials, stuffed into pockets and handbags. See more at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_soc_sciences/ccu/wcad10_borderland.htm

Have a look too at World Community Arts Day

If you would use sketchbooks with an adult community audience or intend to do so, and would like to share your practice here, pls email us with details.