News: 30 Years of Arts and Health
We’re celebrating 30 impactful years improving mental health through creativity, and what a colourful 30 years it’s been! We’ve supported over 4,500 adults and young people on our core wellbeing programmes in Stockport and across Greater Manchester so far.
With your help we can ensure we are around for the next 30 years, supporting as many people as possible to improve their mental health & wellbeing through creativity, building confidence and connection. Finding that safe, supportive and inspiring space.
“I’m a different person. I’ve gone from being in a very dark place and feeling isolated to being part of a community and having new confidence.”
Since moving to Hat Works 5 years ago, we’ve welcomed thousands of visitors as well as wellbeing participants, engaging in arts for wellbeing at our centre and in other settings, building a huge network of referrers, supporters and partners.
But beyond 2025 there is a massive challenge for us in meeting the increasing demand for our services, given our resources. Competition for funding is fierce, Trusts are closing, there’s pressure on statutory funding which affects us, just as the cost-of-living crisis impacts on people’s ability to donate. At the same time, mental health issues are on the rise – more people are in need of services which support.
“Arc is not just a programme, it’s a community where people come together. It’s a place where you can feel free, where you feel supported and safe.”
In Greater Manchester, 197,000 people accessed secondary mental health services in 2022/23, and in Stockport, the number of people diagnosed with serious mental illness has risen by 41% since 2004/5. The pandemic and cost of living crisis have exacerbated these issues, increasing demand for mental health services. The total cost of mental ill health in 2022 was £300bn in human, economic, and health costs. The need for our services is critical.
Your donation helps us meet this urgent need. As we’re turning 30, we’re aiming to raise £30K to help us continue our work. Will you be part of the solution?
