Creative minds: developing supportive creative opportunities in our communities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe South West Yorkshire Partnerships Foundation Trust's Creative Minds Strategy designed to build a strong infrastructure of community and voluntary organisations able to work with the Trust providing creative opportunities for all who access services.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive account of the background, philosophy, benefits, operation and role of Creative Minds in developing more recovery-focused services. Case studies by people who have been involved in Creative Minds are included.

Findings

Creative Minds has been successful in forming partnerships between the Trust and community/voluntary organisations that afford opportunities to explore different activities and discover their passions and talents. It provides an opportunity for service users and practitioners to engage as equals for mutual benefit.

Originality/value

This original, award winning initiative enables the Trust to work closely with a range of community organisations thus enhancing and extending the service offered and enabling people to gage in meaningful activities and become a part of their local community.

Citation

Walters, P. (2015), "Creative minds: developing supportive creative opportunities in our communities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 30-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2014-0041