IT SEEMS obvious, when you think about it.
What’s a great way to help people suffering from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and isolation feel better about themselves? Give them something creative to do, so they’re taken out of themselves and develop a sense of achievement.
That, in essence, is the idea behind Converge, a York St John University programme aimed at helping those recovering from mental health problems.
They are invited to take part in courses including theatre, dance, music and writing. They’re taught by regular students as well as experienced university staff. And the whole point is not to get people to open up and talk about their problems - but to find a reason for setting them aside. “We don’t give primacy to the problem, we give primacy to the learning,” says Dr Nick Rowe, whose idea the programme was.
For those who have taken part, the scheme has proved transformative.
Richard found himself at rock bottom, his life apparently out of his own control, after being treated in hospital for psychosis, depression and anxiety. Then he joined a Converge music class. Going through the door for the first time was the hardest thing, he admits. But gradually he found his voice.
“I didn’t know I had a creative bone in my body,” the 35-year-old said. “It brought out my aspirations and gave me goals in my life. I eventually realised it was me and my fears that were holding me back.”
Now, he is a mentor for some of the 140-or-so people doing Converge courses.
Now that’s what we call an outcome, What a great scheme this is.
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