Creative Minds is a charity hosted by
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Creative Minds films

Creative Minds is an initiative that develops community partnerships and co-funds creative projects in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, and in our forensic services. Our films take a look at just some of the projects that have used Creative Minds funding to make a huge difference to the lives and recovery of local people.

From art to football, singing to climbing, sculpture to walking – Creative Minds is making a difference. Take a look at our films to see the wide range of creative activities being provided and the impact the projects have had.

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Barnsley

We visit the Live Arts Café which encourages individuals to explore their own creativity and discover their hidden talents and see how QDOS has been helping young people in the area to use dance, music and poetry to benefit their lives. Plus new and innovative group Theratots demonstrates its ‘therapy playgroup’ – a five-week programme for babies and young children with complex postural needs which allows them to have fun and socialise while undergoing their therapy.

Kirklees

Hoot explains how its ‘Breathing Space’ sessions help people with dementia and their carers and Manasamitra – a South Asian dance group – show off their workshops inspired by traditional Indian heritage. We take to the water with The Safe Anchor Trust, involving people in steering a boat, operating locks, or allowing them to enjoy a relaxing float down the canals, and we see how a walking group are working towards ‘The Dales Challenge’. Plus, we visit the Packhorse Gallery – where people take part in everything from knitting to arts.

Forensics

This film shows how taking part in horticultural therapy can help aid recovery. An individual explains his aspirations for the future inspired by his visits to the Newton Lodge writers’ group, and we take a look at Fieldhead’s unique ‘open mind’ sculpture. The film also features the Good Mood Football league and shows some examples of the teams that forensics services play against, filmed at Dewsbury Sports Centre – the league helps individuals of varying levels of ability keep active and take part in something they enjoy.

Wakefield

See how interacting with horses through equine therapy has helped individuals improve their social lives and wellbeing.  Take the plunge into hydrotherapy, and look at our intriguing ‘labyrinth’ created in the Caring Garden at our Fieldhead site. Inspire art group shows off its work with Faceless art company to create wire sculptures which went on to be displayed in Wakefield’s iconic The Hepworth Gallery, and a mother and daughter explain how attending the Harmony choir sessions, run by Hoot creative arts, has brought them together through a shared interest.

The science of creativity

“Creative Minds stimulates the bits of the brain that maybe therapies won’t get to.”  One of our consultants, Dr Graham Hill, explains the science behind creativity and just why it’s so good for us. Dr Hill believes that finding something that individuals are good at grows their confidence and self-esteem which in turn aids their recovery. Did you know that you use the front of your brain to think about worries and problems? Dr Hill shows the other parts of the brain that are activated when we take part in creative activities and describes how this can benefit recovery.

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Creative Minds is a registered charity in England and Wales number: 1055931-13. Registered office: Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield, WF1 3SP