Bolton's Octagon Theatre offers refugees and asylum seekers a warm welcome and opportunities to share their experiences. Deborah Dickinson tells the story.
A project in three Manchester secondary schools engaged students in discussions about mental health and enabled them to develop their own creative responses through dance and movement. Kevin Edward Turner tells the story.
An evaluation of a £1m programme connecting arts organisations and care homes found much more needs to be done to extend the reach of quality arts for older people.
27 healthcare providers in the North West have committed to developing a cultural prescription plan for new and expectant mothers to give children the “best start” in life.
Age UK has called on arts organisations to become more accessible to older people, and on national funders to make ‘age-friendly practice’ a requirement of culture funding.
With the Mayflower Theatre recently listed by the Sunday Times as one of the best organisations to work for, Robin Hancox explains the recent workforce initiatives that helped secure the listing.
Artists need special skills to deliver projects in community settings, including care homes and schools. Evan Dawson explains how Live Music Now supports musicians.
The success of Hull’s year as City of Culture proves the arts have the power to transform lives. Martin Green says it’s time for policy makers to recognise that they are integral to a healthy, happy society.
New research finds listening to music helps tackle anxiety, depression and agitation among people living with dementia, and calls for a dedicated music and dementia task force.
Raquel Meseguer triggered a security alert when she lay on the floor at the Southbank Centre. She shares the work she has been doing ever since to help arts venues become more welcoming to those with chronic pain.
Group singing is more effective than creative play at tackling depressive symptoms, according to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Male prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm may be apprehensive about signing up for a theatre project, but some finish Geese Theatre Company’s five-day course giddy with pride. Louise Heywood shares the story.
