No fee, no sign-in: The art class removing 'barriers' to recovery

In an art studio in Newcastle, New South Wales, Halo is hand-making beads out of clay.

It might seem like a simple task, but it would have been impossible for the 23-year-old just four years ago due to mental illness.

"Dad wasn't allowed to leave my side," Halo said.

"When I first came here, I was basically non-verbal … but now I talk to people."

With no sign-in or entry fee required, Halo's attendance at the monthly Arts in Recovery classes have been key to her recovery.

"[It is] one of the few places outside of my studio at home where I can go and not be made to feel like a freak," she said.

"I grew up with a lot of bullying, so coming here helps me feel safe and happy and Dad doesn't have to stay by my side all the time anymore."

The not-for-profit, community-based mental health program has been running in Newcastle since 2010.

Since the first workshop, more than 5,000 participants have passed through the art studio.

Unique model removes 'barriers'

Unlike other art therapy programs in New South Wales, Arts in Recovery is unique as it is not run through the NDIS. It is free for participants and has no formal referral process.

They have an "open-door" model that allows participants to attend workshops however often they like and interact with mental health professionals outside a traditional clinical setting.

It is the brainchild of occupational therapist Alan Johnson, who co-leads the program with the University of Newcastle.

"There's no hierarchy between the people running the tables and the people participating," he said.

"If they have to pay, if they have to sign in and out, that just places barriers in the way.

"They can literally come here, be themselves, let the mask slip and know that they'll be accepted."

Mr Johnson said providing support outside a clinical setting was key to the program's success.

"It can be a way to open up about really difficult things while creating art," he said.

"It's less threatening and easier to discuss that without sitting across the table with a notepad and pen."

'Casual, safe environment'

Participants are guided by volunteer facilitators like Annette Squires, an occupational therapy assistant.

"We have different tables set up where you could be making clay [pieces], doing mosaics or just sitting and doing your own work," she said.

"It's a very casual, safe environment where you can come and create whatever you want."

The workshops rely on private donations to operate, while materials are donated from local artists and community members.

Ms Squires has been volunteering with the program for eight years and has seen first-hand how powerful art can be in mental health recovery.

"I see people use creative art in in-patient wards, and then once they're discharged into the community, I encourage them to come to the workshops to continue art as part of their therapy," she said.

"Coming here helps create confidence, not only with their art skills but with connecting with other people, too.

"I've seen people really grow a lot from this program."

One of those people is Cam Smith, who started attending the program after receiving mental health treatment in hospital, where he discovered his love for art.

Mr Smith says the program helped him realise his passion for helping others with their mental health and pursue a career as a peer support worker.

But attending the monthly workshops continued to be a big part of his own mental health and recovery.

"Even if I wasn't working, I'd come here every month and do this," he said.

"This is my key approach to peer work."

Expression through art making a real difference

The Arts in Recovery model has also started attracting international attention.

An international occupational therapy team has begun discussions with Mr Johnson and his colleagues to see how this program can be established in the United Kingdom health system.

Back at the Art in Recovery workshop, Halo is chatting with volunteer Annette Squires as they craft dessert-shaped beads.

The art she makes during the year will go on display at the program's annual public exhibition, called BOUNCEBACK, where more than $20,000 from art sales has gone directly back to participants.

Last year, Halo's hand-made, stuffed animals sold on opening night.

"I like doing drawings and painting, but sometimes we'll do other fun stuff when I come here, like clay," Halo said.

"I can actually sit and talk to people at the same table and do art now."

Email address