Woven Threads: A Retrospective Qualitative Study.

Sharon Neill

University Centre at Blackburn College

Action Factory

Action Factory is a registered charity that provides free participatory arts within the community of Blackburn and Darwen.

The Strategic Needs Assessment Study

(2012) • Blackburn and Darwen are

within the highest 17% for poverty and deprivation.

• They are also within the highest 20% of mental health issues, such as mood disorders of anxiety and depression (Strategic Needs Assessment Study, 2012)

Research Requirements

• The research required a subjective view into participants experiences and any increase in wellbeing.

• That could the be utilised for funding applications,

• What worked well and what could be improved

Fabric

The project was funded by the Arts Council England and it was a development of existing areas of work. Arts in mental health, Refuge, Asylum seekers, Migrant Communities, and also working with new and established artists.

Other Studies

• Becoming involved with creative activities allows self expression and can create emotional resilience by allowing individuals to channel emotion creatively (Lally,2009).

Theories

• Broaden and Build Theory (Fredrickson,2001).

• experiencing positive emotions • emotional resilience

• Self Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan,2000).

• Self-motivation and self- worth

Participants

• A maximum variation sample of 5 participants.

• 3 Females, 2 Males• Age range between young

adult and retired.• Diverse backgrounds.

Methodology

• Semi structured interview was used for the participants and the creative facilitator.

• Thematic and discourse analysis.

• Pilot study.• Research adhered to the BPS

code of ethics (BPS,2007).

Model of Themes

Well-being

Confidence

Motivation

EducationSocialisati

on & Relationsh

ips

Self-Esteem

Model of Education

Education

New Skills

Cultural

Expressing Life

Experiences

Creativity

Well-being

Education: More than formal learning

“From training and learning how to, how to speak…when your

acting… the back person has to hear you…. how to make us relax as well.” (T3, 76, 79)

Education: Giving them a voice

“It’s really worthwhile people working on their own stories

because it’s validating their own experience. It’s kind of showing that… you have got something

to say.” (T6, 391, 392)

Socialisation and relationships

“Because eighteen months ago, two years ago I wouldn’t have sat here talking to you nothing

would have come out of my mouth.” (T2, 475)

Self-esteem

“I never thought I’d ever , never ever get up on stage...never

thought I’d ever be able to talk in front of people…you know like

I did do, you know, never... its opened my eyes up to hidden

talent.” (T2, 635)

Motivation to help others

“I'm working alongside a charity at the moment called

Somewhere Too”. (T4,47)

Confidence from achievement

“In English, all in English and the audience were…the majority of them yeah were let’s say, 90%

English people” (T1, 302)

The Woven Threads Drama

• The Woven Threads Drama was articulated as the most memorable aspect of the project to increase individuals well-being.

The Woven Threads Drama

• The ropes represent weaving together the threads that make the fabric of the community.

Animate

“But I also saw them come together… as a group and I saw

them really animate an interesting space.” (T6, 342)

Discussion

• The results of the study identified that being involved within the fabric project did increase individuals overall well-being .

• The participants within the study were diverse. However, the themes that emerged, represent similarities of motivation, increased self esteem and confidence.

Expression through creativity

The project provided an environment that diverse

individuals could express and channel emotion creatively.

Poem written for mental health week.

Depression is a deep place in the mind. Can’t see it !Pills and potions don’t always work. Can’t get to it !At that deepest time, tears, tears ,and more tears.Sat in darkness alone.Can’t speak no words, mind gone to sleep For how long, who knows .Walking can’t, legs wont work!Hands no touch, lift or feel.It’s the loneliest of places.Not ready to get out, mind won’t allow.Is the mind trying to re-organise itself ?It blew up you know, to much to face.If you can work hard, try and understandWhat was the cause.Perhaps many things, a lifetime out of your control,A few years on can now look back at that Black time.Who cared for me , looked after me, helped get my life back on track.Saying thanks‘, not enough!I was a debilitated wreck, defenceless.Mmmm! But always, remember those who took the piss!!!

Acknowledgements.

I would like to thank the Action Factory for this opportunity.

Contacts: Telephone 01254 679335 http://www.actionfactory.org/

Thank you for listening!

Please feel free to ask questions.