Report | The Art of Wellbeing: Evaluating the Impact of the ManPAC Social Prescribing Creative Café and Arts Programs on Participant Wellbeing
Published: January 2023
Brief Summary:
In 2022, the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC) worked with GPs, health and social organisations to create an arts-based, social prescribing program called the ‘Art of Wellbeing’. The program ran for 26 weeks (i.e. 13 distinct, artist led, ‘Creative Café’ workshops plus specific, bespoke arts workshops developed at the request of participants). This report describes the program, evaluation methodology, results, conclusion and recommendations.
Davies C (2023) The Art of Wellbeing: Evaluating the Impact of the ManPAC Social Prescribing Creative Café and Arts Programs on Participant Wellbeing. Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing WA, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia: Perth, Western Australia. ISBN: 978-1-74052-945-7
What is the aim?
The evaluation focused on the impact of the program on participant: a) mental wellbeing (e.g. happiness, improved mood, confidence, self-esteem), b) social wellbeing (e.g. reduced social isolation, new friendships), and c) the development of participant art skills and interest in the arts.
Results/Outcomes:
Results are provided in the final report. Feedback was provided from both (1) participants, and (2) practitioners/family. Some of the results included:
-The majority of respondents indicated that the ‘Art of Wellbeing’ workshops helped them to feel happier (96%) and increased their confidence and self-esteem (87%).
-Significantly more participants felt happy after taking part in a workshop (94% happy, p<0.001) compared with baseline (42% happy), or immediately before each workshop (58% happy).
-The majority of participants indicated that taking part in the program was an opportunity to socialise and form friendships (93%).
Source: Davies C (2023) The Art of Wellbeing: Evaluating the Impact of the ManPAC Social Prescribing Creative Café and Arts Programs on Participant Wellbeing. Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing WA, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia: Perth, Western Australia. ISBN: 978-1-74052-945-7