Gloucestershire Artlift sessions 'reducing GP visits'

Artlift sessions in the Forest of Dean draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape

An NHS-supported art programme has been credited with reducing the number of GP visits by those with chronic pain by 29 per cent.

Organisers of Artlift, in Gloucestershire, say it is a "social prescription" for people with mental and physical health issues.

The free sessions are open to anyone aged 18 and over, registered with a GP.

Its roots go back to a doctor in Dursley who saw the benefit of art in healthcare in 2004.

Some Artlift participants have also said the programme cut their reliance on medication.

The charity runs two main programmes in Gloucestershire, one for adults managing mental health challenges, the other for those living with chronic pain.

Those who want to take part can put themselves forward or be referred by a professional, such as a doctor, mental health nurse or charity worker.

Dancing is one of the mediums explored in the sessions

Organisers say the scheme aims to create a "friendly, relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere" with a focus on various artforms, from painting and drawing to puppetry and dancing.

One participant said: "I brought a little pill tin and I thought I'll make sure that I take them at the right time and I haven't - I haven't needed them."

Those who take part in Artlift attend between eight and 16 two-hour sessions, where they meet in small groups in community venues, or online.

The Creative by Nature course draws on the landscapes of Gloucestershire, including the Forest of Dean, to allow participants to create art in different ways such as leaf-printing.

The Sound of Art sessions use music to allow people to work on drawings and paintings using music as an inspiration.

Of the 77 Artlift participants who completed a clinically-approved wellbeing survey in 2023, 85 per cent reported a meaningful improvement.

In 2023, there was a 29 per cent drop in GP visits among people on the Living Well with Chronic Pain programme.