The Health Equalities Partnership Programme is to pilot increased support and non-clinical interventions for people in the Oswestry area who are experiencing mental health challenges and who also use drugs/alcohol.

Designs in Mind’s role in this is to introduce people to creative processes, develop new skills and new tools to use as coping mechanisms, and increase self-confidence and self-esteem through non-clinical experiences.

“I’m not used to working like this, but I have enjoyed working so free and expressive.”

Our members help as peer support in the HEP sessions and HEP clients have the opportunity to access some member activities. This is working well. Clients have joined in with the making of the lanterns for the Love Oswestry Festival and access the singing and walk and talk sessions.

Activities undertaken so far have included Suminagashi marbling,  experimenting with watercolour techniques, paper mache, monoprinting, lino printing, fimo (polymer clay), rubber stamp making, slow stitching, embroidery, making draw string bags, collage, mark making, painting with ink and acrylic, 

“I really enjoyed meeting everyone and I enjoyed the workshop.”

When clients are ready, we hope they will move on to our member programme.  To learn more follow the link below to the HEP video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3gV1cVXz6I