Response to Petition Asking For More Resources for the use of Arts as an Aid to Recovery for People With Mental Health Problems

Petition to:

make greater resources available within the NHS and Local Authorities for the use of the arts as an aid to recovery, well being and social inclusion for people with mental health problems.

This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to make greater resources available within the NHS and Local Authorities for the use of the arts as an aid to recovery, well being and social inclusion for people with mental health problems. More details

Submitted by Mr Tony Russell of Breakthrough – Deadline to sign up by: 06 June 2010 – Signatures: 603

More details from petition creator

We believe that additional resources would encourage service providers to allow those with mental health problems a wider choice of service that would be in many cases better suited for their needs, (possibly in conjunction with other more traditional services) and which would allow them a greater sense of self worth, increase their mental well being, and their chances of social inclusion, and possible recovery from their illness. This could be done by the provision of more art therapists and arts co-ordinators; by providing more opportunities for those who experience mental health problems to showcase their creative talents, throughout the endless corridors and wards in hospital environments, and community settings; and service providers being able to help fund community arts initiatives enabling the users of their services to be enhance their recovery.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Artworks/

Government response

The Government recognises the therapeutic value that recreational activities can have in helping to alleviate mental health problems.

However, it is the responsibility of local NHS Trusts, in partnership with Strategic Health Authorities and other local stakeholders, to plan, develop and improve services for local people, including mental health services.  The Department of Health, which is responsible for setting national standards and policy for the NHS, recognises that health services are better when management is devolved to the frontline and does not intervene in local decisions.

Any concerns about the provision of mental health services should be addressed to the local NHS, which is best placed to comment

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