Artistic expression for mental health service users

‘Survivor Arts Exhibition’ – a display of artwork by mental health service users – is opening its doors to the public today at the University of Birmingham.

The exhibition is part of the ‘Arts All Over the Place’ social inclusion event run by the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust.

Artists, sculptors and poets have been working with University of Birmingham social work students in workshops entitled ‘Recovery Through the Arts.’

The exhibition is open at the Institute of Applied Social Sciences, which runs social work qualifying programmes, post qualifying awards and a number of short courses for social care and health professionals.

Dawn River, Social Work lecturer at the University, who co-ordinated the exhibition says: “For more than a decade, the institute has involved people who use social care services and carers in teaching activities in recognition of the insights they bring.

“This exhibition has provided an opportunity for service users and professionals-in-training to work alongside each other, sharing their skills and experience. It has helped break-down barriers by enabling people to connect through art.”

The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, on Monday 25th June between 11am and 3pm.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Dawn River is available for interview. Please contact the Press Office.

Survivor Arts Exhibition takes place at The Institute of Applied Social Studies, Terrace Huts, Ring Road South, University of Birmingham, Bristol Road, Birmingham B15 2TT. Contact Dawn River 0121 414 2936 d.h.river@bham.ac.uk for further details.

Photos of the exhibition and the recovery through the arts workshops available.

Further Media Information

Please contact Anna Mitchell on 0121 414 6029 / 07920 593946 / a.i.mitchell@bham.ac.uk