The perspectives of people who use mental health services engaging with arts and cultural activities
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a study of arts engagement for mental health service users in Denmark.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was completed at Hans Knudsen Instituttet, Denmark. It involved analysis of emerging themes from semi-structured interviews with six participants who had participated in a structured visit to the National Gallery (Statens Museum for Kunst) in Denmark.
Findings
Multiple benefits for people who use mental health services engaging in arts activities are reported. Arts activities are described as a central component of everyday life; a way of life and a significant factor in getting through the day. Barriers are identified in the interdisciplinary working between the museum educator and participants.
Social implications
This study identifies that the participants benefited from taking part in the arts/cultural activity. Findings also suggest that if museums are offering activities to people who use mental health services they should equip staff with training designed to support appropriate ways of working with this group. This interdisciplinary activity offers a relatively untapped potential arena of support.
Originality/value
The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with mental health and arts. The study demonstrates the importance for mental health service users to engage in creative activity and for museum staff to have appropriate skills for inclusion to be successful.
Keywords
Citation
Jensen, A., Stickley, T. and Edgley , A. (2016), "The perspectives of people who use mental health services engaging with arts and cultural activities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 180-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2016-0011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited