Art based group that combats mental health

Mental Health isn’t a new thing. Infact prestigious people in the past suffered poor mental health yet they were able to channel it positively through the power of art. 

 

In 2019 Rachel Phoenix ran Rise and Shine Preston for people with mental health problems. Now 2 years later she is nurturing something new. 

 

It is an  art therapy group called ‘Paint the Dog Yellow’. The name was inspired by the manic depression Winston Churchill suffered which he described as the ‘black dog’. The ‘yellow’ aspect was coined by the colour Van Gough gave his paintings as an expression of happiness. 

 

The group is designed to de-stress and combat negative feelings on a weekly basis by means of art based workshops. 

 

Rachel herself has experienced a period of mental health issues. Yet now she is in a better position to help others fight the stigma and have a brighter outlook. 

 

The sessions are currently free and Rachel volunteers her spare time to help others who need it most. You don’t need to be a polished artist to participate, just an open mind and see what flourishes. 

 

Rachel has these words of encouragement if you’re feeling a little apprehensive about joining, 

 

“Every activity can be done with paper, pencil and a black pen. Come along do some art and have a chat. Or do some art and don’t have a chat. Don’t be nervous if you’ve never picked up a pen before”. 

 

The Paint the Dog sessions run as follows:-

One member, Louise Whitwell spoke openly about her experience on the course, 

 

“The group is helping me build my confidence. It’s a chance for me to get creative, some me time, time to socialise with others going through similar issues and to relax. I was always put down during art lessons at school. By coming to the group I feel proud of my work and it keeps me engaging socially”. 

 

Sessions are currently running virtually every Monday and Thursday and can be found on the Facebook group or Twitter:-

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger