Art & Well-being in the Walled Garden @ Cannon Hall

Throughout the summer and autumn, the North Range Glasshouse in the beautiful Walled Garden at Cannon Hall has been host to Green Social Prescribing Art and Well-Being Courses. These were funded via a grant obtained by the Trust from South Yorkshire Community Foundation. 

The Art for Wellbeing courses were led by artist Louise Wright. Participants explored their creativity using art materials whilst connecting with the natural environment. 

The Green Wellbeing courses, led by Rachel Massey from Other Ways to Walk, enabled participants to experience living in the moment and learn how senses can be used to mindfully connect to nature. 

Feedback from the courses was overwhelmingly positive and provided evidence that being outdoors and in nature is good for mental well-being as well as physical health.  Many of the participants had been suffering from issues such as bereavement, loneliness, anxiety and depression and found that the courses helped them to cope with these.  

“I like meeting new people; I haven’t been getting out much and I’m not motivated to see old friends but coming here is different. We sit, we draw, we chat and we have this beautiful place.”

“It’s so precious to have time to allow yourself to do these things. Allow yourself to be first in your life for a change.”

“This course has been brilliant for me in helping to control my anxiety. It helps me to face what I have to do by providing a feeling of strength and renewal every week. Thank you so much”

“I have found this course a wonderful experience and incredibly helpful for my mental health”.

“It was so good to be with like-minded people and to get away from technology, traffic, phones, being bombarded by horrible stuff.“

During December, a celebration event is being held for everyone connected with the project which will include the opportunity to take part in a self-led art activity or Green Wellbeing session taken by Rachel Massey and we hope to run similar courses again in the future.