Culture Club Pilot: An Albatross Arts CIC & Jean’s Bothy Arts & Wellbeing Collaboration

albatross arts cic

our impact

case studies

Albatross Arts CIC and Jean’s Bothy delivered a social wellbeing project to establish meaningful connections with larger cultural organisations to support people, of all ages, dealing with mental health challenges. The Culture Club Project was an inclusive, 9 week, intergenerational, pilot project that engaged and supported local people living with mental health challenges to re-engage with wider society post pandemic, whilst learning new skills. The project facilitated weekly cultural excursions, planned and co-designed with the participants and cultural organisations, with whom we already had strong links. The participants built cultural confidence, explored shared specific challenges in a safe setting and established new peer support networks.

how did we get on?

Individuals established a new network of peers / friends which led to a greater sense of belonging and self-esteem.
Travelling outside the local area in a supported group aided confidence and re-established skills especially after lockdown.
Individual personal growth on multiple levels.
Increased appreciation of the cultural offering to be found on our doorstep.
Establishment of a new found interest for participants; engaging in creative activities is fun and therapeutic.
Greater awareness of the many benefits of intergenerational learning in addressing social challenges.
We broke down the perceived barriers to accessing arts and culture for those living with mental health concerns.
A terrific opportunity for partnership working; creating a more resilient, connected and cohesive local social enterprise network to generate ideas and deliver innovative programmes to those in need.
Increased the suite of creative offerings available within
our community.

similar projects

Shout out to our young Creative Assistants

MOOD Creative Club

Culture Club Pilot: An Albatross Arts CIC & Jean’s Bothy Arts & Wellbeing Collaboration

What people say

make

“Thank you so much for a lovely art session. It was very calming and good for the soul, please hold more events like this.”

Hannah

inspire

“I’m so proud of the number of such high quality sessions that have been delivered. It has also been amazing to see the impact that these sessions have had on the people that we support.”

Sense UK

empower

“We are excited for the next year ahead and expect the programme to grow year by year . We now have an opportunity to put in place a sustainable plan to enable the delivery of the brilliant Albatross Art sessions that have had a big impact on the people that we support.” (Arts & Wellbeing Team – Sense UK)

Sense UK

make

“What a great way to feel connected and part of the community. We can’t wait to see the art displayed in the town. What a fantastic way to bring people together and encourage us to all feel proud of our town”

COP26 community family event at our pop up venue

inspire

“Has worked wonders for my mental health after months of lockdown. Your body gets a bit of exercise and you open your eyes to a bit of culture, things you would probably not see otherwise.”

Adults (Mental Health)

empower

“If I hadn’t come today I would have been sitting at home on my own. I used to spend a lot of time at home alone. I got used to it. I didn’t realise how detrimental it was to my mental health. I just accepted it, it was normal”

Adults (Mental Health)

make

“Probably the best and most meaningful business plan engagement I have ever had. For Albatross Arts this is not just a paperwork exercise”

Partner Organisation

inspire

“Working with Albatross Arts is money well spent. They are passionate about what they do and this shines through while they are working with participants engaged in their programmes.”

Public Sector Clients

empower

“OMG I didn’t think I could do this and I didn’t really think I wanted to, to be honest, but it was awesome. I loved it and everyone at my table did too. I’m pretty proud of myself. “

Children / Young People / Parents

make

“Fun, creative, cool, brilliant, artistic, exciting, imaginative, awesome, gooey!”

Children / Young People / Parents

inspire

“ Being able to join this group online has been a lifeline for me. I don’t feel so alone and I know that others are in this situation. I have felt really supported. I would love to carry on making with the group. “

Parents / Carers

empower

“Screaming maelstrom stills. Sunlit thoughts meander through. Joyous calm creeps in.” (Haiku poem by Lillias)

Parents / Carers