What Happens When Staff get Creatively Minded?
With funding from Museums Galleries Scotland, Tonic Arts was one of 6 organisations chosen to support mental health through art and heritage initiatives. Since April, Creatively Minded has been providing a range of creative engagement activities that highlight works in the Tonic Art collection.
The project, which is specifically designed for NHS staff identified with high levels of stress and anxiety, provides a flexible model across different sites. Activities include art walks, drop-ins, and workshops that guide discussion about works in the collection with time for personal reflections and space to create art with each other.
Drawing on a wealth of knowledge that proves engagement with art reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation – Creatively Minded introduces tools to relax, find joy and connection. As NHS staff face increasing challenges, finding these moments of comfort and respite are more important now than ever. Our aim is to support the wellbeing of healthcare staff with positive impact for the wider healthcare environment.
We asked staff:
What impact did this have on you?
“Time to think outside the box”
“Get a break from work”
“Wonderful to see how other staff see/feel things”
“Engaging and helped me take my mind off things”
What did you enjoy?
“Something very different, working with colleagues/ connection, and the art!”
“Not having to deal with workload”
“Loved it”
“The understanding I gained of possible meanings of art I previously might have overlooked”
As immersive experiences and activities continue to offer immediate support, the next phase of Creatively Minded will work on leaving a lasting legacy of resources and guides for staff, patients, and visitors to benefit from for years to come. Stay tuned and discover how a little creativity can make a big difference to your day.
