For Social Prescribing Day this year (2024) we have compiled a new case study looking at the impact of creative digital programmes for older people in Newham. This case study will eventually be part of our London Creative Health City connections portal, which gathers together the beginnings of the Creative Health connections throughout London that we are uncovering. The portal will curate resources to support individuals and organisations facilitating Creative Health activities, projects, and research.
With thanks to Bo Chapman (Artistic Director) at Frames of Mind for help writing this reflective case study.
Frames Of Mind (FOM) formerly, known as Salmagundi Films (est. 2004) is a not-for-profit participatory arts organisation based in Stratford E15. We deliver creative digital engagement programmes, digital inclusion training and heritage projects to support the health and mental wellbeing of Newham’s diverse communities.
We believe in empowering people with the creative skills to make their voice heard and the importance of bringing communities together to promote equity and justice. Art for Purpose!
Frames of Mind work in partnership with Newham Council, Community Neighbourhoods, community link workers and social prescribers enabling us to reach and support residents experiencing, social isolation, anxiety and health inequalities.
PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE
People Need People (PNP) is a free, welcoming, creative digital inclusion and friendship club based in Stratford Library, where participants can meet new people and discover the potential of their smart devices, as tools for personal enablement and recovery.
Funded by Newhams’ community funding initiative – ‘People Powered Places’, People Need People is a collaborative approach to health and mental wellbeing, supporting people to help themselves and each other.
EQUITABLE
We work closely with social prescribing (Newham NW2 PCN in particular) and integrated community care networks (Community Neighbourhoods, community-connectors and link-workers) to strengthen referral pathways, expand outreach and ensure that we reach residents with identified needs such as: social isolation and loneliness, digital exclusion, depression, anxiety, mobility and long-term health conditions.
COLLABORATION
Frames Of Mind delivered two funded creative digital inclusion programmes (London Borough of Newham – Mental Health & Wellbeing Community Grant & TNL Community Fund) called Frames of mind Café, at Stratford Library between 2022 -2023 from which a steering group of 12 x participants aged 58-83 from diverse backgrounds was formed.
50% of the steering group were referred by their GP or Community Link worker and experienced mental health issues, long term health conditions, and social isolation. 90% of the steering group live alone and are adversely impacted by cost-of-living-crisis.
The steering group suggested the following changes:
- Re-name programme to ‘People Need People’.
- Increase numbers of free trips and new outdoor activities.
- ‘Digilantes Outreach Team’ – peer to peer support network initiative- trained participants paid to teach/share new digital skills with their community.
- Whats App group to keep in touch outside the programme.
- Guest speakers, specialists chosen by the group.
- 2 x seasonal celebration events to showcase work produced with family and friends.
The PNP course content is co-designed by the participants and kept organic, responding to their needs and interests, to ensure learning is meaningful and embedded. It is a holistic mix of fun, creative and practical digital skills which aims to support positive life changes and independence.
- Connected : Active involvement in a mutually supportive and culturally diverse group. Signposting to other activities and groups in Newham.
- Active : Stimulating creative field trips and in-house weekly exercise sessions.
- Included: Smart device skills training, access to vital services and appointments, staying connected with family and friends
- Creative: Therapeutic and meaningful creative sessions to boost wellbeing and confidence. Digital art, creative photography walks in nature.
REFLECTIVE
Evaluating the impact of creative projects is always challenging! Frames of Mind were introduced to the UCL Community Research initiative by Compass Wellbeing and given the opportunity to work with PHD students. Together we developed a bespoke Google doc digital evaluation tool which comprised of participant, pre and post course questionnaires to assess the impact of the project as perceived by participants in relation to: loneliness and social isolation, depression and anxiety, digital skills /smart tech confidence, friendships, new courses hobbies, goals accessed.
DEMONSTRATED OUTCOMES
- Improved health and mental wellbeing through engagement in meaningful creative and practical digital life-skills, enabling positive life changes and self-advocacy.
- Reduced social isolation and loneliness with examples of new friendships made and a peer support network. PNP Whats App group keep participants connected and provides an information sharing platform.
- Participants connected to vital services with increased understanding of local pathways, supporting services and materials – mitigating impact of cost-of-living crisis.
- Transferrable skills learnt providing stepping-stone to volunteering, further education, training, and the pursuit of new interests.
- Frames of Mind staff trained, informed, and connected with other Newham organisations.
TESTIMONIALS
Maudlyn 66
Since joining I have been swimming four times and taken up cycling. My friends and family also join the sessions. The organisers are kind and patient and taught us to use our smart phones in fun and productive ways
Bob 64
The course was recommended by my GP, I hadn’t left the house in 3 years … since Covid. After going on a trip to Greenwich with the group, I joined the DLR Back on Track scheme and go out all the time on my mobility scooter.
Marie 65
I have learned more about technology. I don’t need to ask for help with my phone anymore…and actually now I’m helping other people!
Also this course has improved my well-being, I have made new friends and interact with the group regularly.
Declan 65
A fun way to learn digital technology and interact with other people. It has given me goals and made me realise that I can live life more fully, if I want to. It has spurred me on to do other things… I have now joined a photography course.
Kevin 68
It’s a good thing you showed me how to do zoom, It meant I could attend my uncles funeral which I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Somporn 73
The course has brought everyone together and everyone get involved incredibly well. We enjoyed so much not only new technology we have learned but also new experiences that we learned from outdoor camera taking which gave us so much joys.
Ayesha 81
Teachers are happy to see and listen to what I need, I felt at ease. I encouraged others to come, my son and family to the library and see me and see how happy I was being part of the group. It has changed his perception of what I can do for myself! It has increased my confidence going out and motivated and alive. Wanted and needed.
Stephen 83
Shouted out loud in the library with his arms raised, whilst doing the exercise session:
“ Thank you Katy (Stephen’s social prescriber)… I wish I could come everyday!”
With thanks to Bo and Zoe from Frames of Mind and the PNP participants for sharing their knowledge with LAH Members in this short case study.
You can contact Frames of Mind at:
Studio 11
Alice Billings House
2-12 West Ham Lane
London, E15 4SF
studio@Framesofmind.uk
Https://framesofmind.uk
