A glass panel made by local residents is now on permanent display at the Bemerton Heath Centre, following a Well-City Salisbury art course facilitated by Wiltshire Creative. Participants spent ten weeks making connections and exploring creativity with artist Helen Southwell, forming this final piece as a collaborative effort.

Hands-on sessions designed especially for Bemerton Heath residents were held weekly at the Centre, introducing the art of glass fusion. This vibrant course explored themes of colour and light, reflecting the hopeful change from winter to spring. Participants were also taken on trips into the city centre to examine the stained glass found at Salisbury Arts Centre (housed in a former church) and Salisbury Cathedral, and developed individual artworks inspired by what they’d seen.

These are more than just art classes. They are a way of introducing people to safe spaces in the local area, where they can find community and a creative culture.

What is Well-City Salisbury?

Now in its fifth year, Well-City Salisbury works with partner organisations – ArtCare at Salisbury District Hospital, Wessex Archaeology, Wiltshire Creative and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust – to support people with low to medium mental health needs in the Salisbury area with free creative opportunities.

The courses and support offered are designed to help people improve emotional wellbeing, meet and connect with others in safe and supportive environments, explore creative skills or learn more about local heritage and culture. Participants can be referred onto a course by their GP practice, support organisation or community group, and self-referrals are also welcomed.

Sarah Gregson, Take Part Director at Wiltshire Creative said: "Being part of the Well-City Salisbury programme enables us to connect the unique skills of artists and creatives with the people in our city who can most benefit from the health impacts of creativity, and learn how to build it into their everyday lives."

Forging connections through creativity

The course at Bemerton Heath was the first experience of making art for some participants. But even those with previous experience felt they no longer had time in their lives for creativity or community before taking part.

After ten weeks, attendees shared that they realised how much they enjoyed the opportunity to craft something in the company of like-minded people, and to “do more of what I don’t absolutely have to do”. Classes like these form communities. Participants have been signposted to places where they can continue to express themselves, such as the Kaleidoscope Arts and Crafts Group at the Bemerton Heath Centre.

The final piece forged by this community first went on display in The Young Gallery at Salisbury Library, as part of an end-of-year exhibition showcasing the work of Well-City Salisbury. Now it’s permanently homed in Bemerton Heath itself, a testament to the talent found within the community: a celebration of both creativity and local identity.

Wiltshire Creative are currently planning the next set of Well-City Salisbury workshops, based around exploring theatre arts, with a chance to look behind the scenes of productions-in-progress and discover how play and self-expression can transform mental health. Email takepart@wiltshirecreative.co.uk to express interest or find out more.

This course will form part of an ongoing programme devised by Well-City Salisbury project partners enabling moments of learning, discovery, curiosity and creativity - all of which are known to have beneficial effects on mental health.