The boss of a Gateshead charity highlighted how £10,000 in NHS funding had been a godsend for a project helping the borough's diverse communities with health and wellbeing.
Vikas Kumar MBE, who runs Gem Arts, told ChronicleLive how the cash, from an NHS pot dedicated to helping voluntary sector organsiations in Gateshead to improve local people's mental health, had helped the charity to run a programme with South Asian / British artist Mani Kambo.
The charity's Cultural Threads and Feel Good Women's Group involve people from across the community - but especially older women who may be more isolated - in creative projects. This then has a social and health wellbeing impact on their lives, Vikas said.
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He explained: "Without that funding, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. It's really essential to making sure that we are able to help the most vulnerable to access the creative opportunities that can support mental health and wellbeing. We really do know that the arts are so powerful."
Vikas explained the organisation's programmes - including Cultural Threads - were user-led and inspired by "what people say they need". Gem Arts works across Gateshead and is based in the Bridges ward, one of the borough's most deprived.
Vikas shared a report explaining the project so far. This said: "The Cultural Threads programme enables participants to develop new creative skills which are culturally relevant, overcome barriers to talking about issues, celebrate their culture and identity, improve health and wellbeing, and consequently empower them to take control of their lives and plan for a more fulfilling future."
One of those part of the Feel Good group added they were "inspired" by taking part. They said: "I feel good when I meet people and hear their stories and get to share my stories. And if you are suffering you feel like you are not alone. You feel more relaxed and like “I am not the only one feeling these things”. When you share it here really helps. You get it out and people are sympathetic."
Vikas also explained that, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic which disproportionately impacted on minority ethnic communities, it was more vital than ever to support health projects working with those who can often find access to healthcare challenging - whether that be, for example, due to reasons of language, culture or social deprivation.
He went on: "We know that many people from minority ethnic communities in Gateshead feel lonely and isolated, with women, older people, children and young people at greatest risk.
"Isolation may be caused by a number of different factors such as moving to a new community, language barriers, social exclusion, lack of confidence to access services and help, no recourse to public funds, responsibilities of caring for others, lack of education and employment opportunities, lack of money, racism and sexism. All these issues can lead to poor mental health and wellbeing."
The aim of the NHS funding programme is to support "community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing". Grants of up to £10,000 are available and last year more than £150,000 was awarded to Gem Arts and other organisations including Gateshead Older People's Assembly, the Methodist Homes Association, Atypical Support, the Young Women's Outreach Project and the Comfrey Project.
Lynn Wilson, Director of Gateshead Place at NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "Since the pandemic, many more of us have been feeling the need for support. We have first class mental health services in our area, but community-based projects can provide something different and hugely valuable.
"It's all about providing the activities that bring us together, boost our mood and help us to improve our mental health. That could mean learning new skills or taking part in group activities like sport, art, cooking or gardening.
"Sometimes just getting out of the house, meeting people and having a purpose can be better than that prescription from the doctor. A lot of voluntary and community groups are out there making a real difference in our communities, and this is a great chance to build on the fantastic contribution they make."
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