Core Arts profiled in Hackney Operating Model report
Connect Hackney’s delivery partner Core Arts profiled in Hackney Operating Model report
Core Arts, one of Connect Hackney’s delivery partners, is featured in a series produced as part of an Operating Model, documenting the work VCSE organisations have been doing to support City and Hackney Residents during the ongoing pandemic. Hackney CVS will be publishing more case studies over the coming weeks.
Core Arts was set up in 1992, and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing through a college-like environment of creative learning.
Core Arts use a holistic user-led ethos to tailor support for those who are at risk of or experiencing social isolation or loneliness. It is open to all older people in Hackney via GP or self-referral.
They provide quality education, training, employment and social enterprise initiatives that enable people who experience mental health issues to overcome barriers, fulfil their potential and participate fully in their community.
In the report, Paul Monks, Artistic Director at Core Arts, explains: “We realised that people with severe and enduring mental health problems are at risk of mental state deterioration during the pandemic with less community contact, social and physical restrictions and health concerns – some may be receiving no contact from services.”
As a result, Core Arts developed an extensive programme of remote access wellbeing activities for this group. Text messages were sent to the 6000 residents on the SMI (Serious Mental illness) register or those with a diagnosis of personality disorder.
Those not contactable by text received a letter. This put people in contact with the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) crisis line if needed, and with Core’s triage point. They set up a new team who take calls and triage into a programme of online arts, sports, wellbeing, befriending and access to personal health budgets, as well as to services from other
voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE). organisations and ELFT.
Click here for more information on the Operating Model prospectus
Click here for Core Arts website
