Innovative Partnership - Arts, Mental Health and Football
Thursday, July 28, 2011 Breakthrough via its’ charity Reflections Art in Health is delighted to be working with Sheffield United Football Club on this unique and exciting new initiative which gives artists and photographers who experience mental health problems the opportunity to showcase their creative talents to the wider community.
Despite the impact that mental illness has on our society, affecting one in four people, and costing the nation £105 billion per year in lost productivity with 70 million working days lost, mental health is sadly a neglected cause. Less than 1% of charitable donations in the UK go to a mental health charity.
Reflections Art in Health understands the real value and power of the creative arts in aiding recovery and enhancing the environment, and there is a strong evidence base to support the work.
Football is an integral part of most towns and cities and provides an excellent opportunity for the artists and photographers to engage with their local community, and we are really excited to be working in partnership with Sheffield United to take this unique partnership forward, with support from the local mental health Trust , Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Many artists from the north will be featured in this initial phase, with the official launch being held at the end of August, and more work to be shown as the season progresses.
The art and photography will be on display for a limited period and is available for sale. This initiative, is supported by the Professional Footballers Association and will extend across the country over the coming season.
For further information please contact breakthrough@mentalhealth.freeserve.co.uk or reflectionsart@hotmail.co.uk