BrightSparks Arts is a community of people who use mental health services, alongside their families, volunteers and other interested people.

We use a creative health approach to support and showcase people’s talent through collaborative groups.

Our events and projects promote positive images and narratives of mental health and wellbeing.

Our Story

Established in 2000, BrightSparks Arts Charity was formed to offer Creativity in Mental Health.

BrightSparks Arts offers a unique, creative and impactful way to supports adults with severe and enduring mental illnesses.

Over 1 in 5 adults in England have a mental health condition, and almost half of these receive mental health treatment. We know from published research and 25 years of experience, involvement with arts and creativity improves people’s health and wellbeing.

Through our programme of creative workshops, exhibitions, performances, publications, events and festivals, our participants form friendships, develop confidence and self esteem while learning new skills to help with their recovery.

Values

Our core values as a community and charity are:-

SAFE

We create a safe and welcoming environment.

DIVERSE

We are a diverse collective that amplifies often marginalised voices.

FLOURISHING

We celebrate creativity and encourage talent to flourish.

Mission

We will achieve our mission of challenging stigma and advocating for the social value of therapeutic creative health by:-

SUPPORTIVE GROUPS

Through a range of creative projects and events informed by our community, we will deliver regular accessible opportunities.

POSITIVE STORIES

Use a service user led creative health approach within our projects and events.

SHOWCASE TALENTS

Offer opportunities to share and celebrate our community.

Our approach

As a participant focused organisation our approach is:-

CREATIVE HEALTH APPROACH

We facilitate projects and events with participants, artists and volunteers.

We use a collaborative approach to deliver creative inclusive accessible opportunities for all.

We follow the creative health quality framework commissioned by Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We offer training and shadowing opportunities, developing artists and health practitioners to work within our approach.

Please see more professional development resources on our Linkedin.

Collaboration

As a organisation we work in partnership with arts, creative and health care organisations and individuals to develop and deliver projects. Working together we look for:-

SHARED VALUES

Severe and enduring mental health focused support through creative health.

EXPERIENCE

Relevant experience working in mental health settings and through social prescribing.

APPROACH

Putting participants at the centre of our work, throughout the development and delivery.

BrightSparks Arts Team

BrightSparks Arts in a small Charity organisation led by like-minded people who have a passion for working with and supporting vulnerable people. The team work to create accessible, inclusive events that are open, friendly and fun! Contact us if you would like to work with BrightSparks Arts as a facilitator, volunteer or as part of the team.

Tim Sayers: Clinical director, lead artist for music and visual arts projects