Movement for wellbeing

One of the UK's largest participatory arts charities, darts, is a centre of excellence for participatory arts practice. We have been running Creative Directions – a weekly programme for adults that boosts wellbeing and inspires social connectivity – for almost eight years at The Point, our Doncaster city centre venue, and in the community of Edlington. 

A recent consultation revealed a desire in participants to raise their activity levels and feel fitter but it also showed there were barriers to engaging in traditional dance provision. 

Our participants experience a range of mental health issues and long-term health conditions. Although they might recognise they are physically unfit or wish to lose some weight, they don’t go to fitness classes because of a lack of confidence, low self-image, cost, health conditions or their perceptions of exercise.

Moving more makes us happier

Taking part in regular movement is proven to be good for our bodies and the physical benefits – including reduced risk of major illnesses, lower blood pressure and stronger muscles and bones – are well documented. But moving more can also help us feel happier. 

It releases feel-good hormones, allows us to take a break from everyday challenges and can create new social connections. Despite this, approximately a third of Doncaster residents do fewer than 30 minutes of moderate activity each week; less than five minutes per day. 

We know how daunting it can be to start exercising, especially for those experiencing significant barriers to participation. But we believe all adults should have the chance to experience the benefits of moving their body in a safe space with others. 

Research by the University of Leeds has proven that our pioneering programme for older adults, Dance On, delivers significant benefits to health and wellbeing and we wanted to widen access to inclusive, person-centred opportunities for all adults to get active. That’s why, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we have developed Creative Directions Moves. 

Participants increasingly engaged in creative movement

This new programme provides adults in Doncaster with a free weekly opportunity to take part in accessible creative movement sessions that improve both physical activity levels and mental health. 

In April 2023, dancer Alice Henry became a regular visitor, getting to know participants to achieve a true understanding of their lifestyles, interests and barriers to movement. As Alice gained the trust of the group, she started to introduce 5 -10 minutes of gentle creative exercises at the end of their regular arts session. Participants were free to choose whether they would like to stay, and those that did were encouraged to take part seated, standing or in any way they found comfortable. 

Over the weeks, participants became increasingly engaged and invested in creative movement and, alongside Alice, they started to shape the programme. Sessions began to incorporate breathing exercises, joint mobilisers, stretches to improve core strength and flexibility, alongside time to relax. Using props, imagination, and visualisation, as well as elements of partner or group work, encouraged creativity and connection.

Photo: James Mulkeen

The aim was to ensure everyone felt able to participate in a way that suited them, without feeling excluded or ‘on show’. More and more people joined each week and the length of sessions gradually increased until people were comfortable with a full 30-minutes of activity.

"It’s a brilliant way of showing how accessible movement is" 

These initial participants have gone on to become Peer Motivators, spreading the word about the benefits of Creative Directions Moves and encouraging people to join them at free weekly sessions.

“The atmosphere you feed off it, it makes you want to participate.”

Peer Motivators have gained new skills by volunteering their time, building empowerment through the process of co-designing the sessions with Alice. They have reported how much they enjoyed shaping and taking ownership of Creative Directions Moves, feeling both the physical and mental health benefits of increased movement.

“The music brings out different emotions in people, it’s like a release for me…why I come here.”

Alice has also relished the opportunity to work collaboratively with participants. She says: “From the very beginning of the research process up until now, the shape of what a Creative Directions Moves session looks like has evolved and moulded. I am excited about the future of this programme and its continual development.”

Creative Directions Moves adds to our existing offer, meaning that regular creative activities are now available every weekday, alongside additional support and signposting in response to individual need. Beneficiaries who are isolated and lonely, lacking in confidence, with low emotional resilience can engage in a timetable of activities including visual art, song writing, poetry, music-making, and now movement that over time enable them to develop practical, social and personal skills, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.

Photo: James Mulkeen

“If I miss Creative Directions, I know that my mood badly alters during the rest of the week.” 

We worked closely with Arc Research at Sheffield Hallam University to evaluate Creative Directions and gain insight into the improvements in mental health and wellbeing generated by participation in positive creative activity. Findings prove that sustained engagement in this type of creative activity builds confidence, enables motivation, and supports participants to make new relationships.

“I don't think I will ever be able to express in words my gratitude to the service that darts has provided to me over the past months. It has been invaluable in my recovery.” 

Our ambition is to continue to use our robust evidence base to develop sustainably-funded models embedded in health and social care pathways. Our reputation, evidence of impact, and examples of sustained, scalable creative approaches has enabled us to share our learning and begin collaborating more widely with South Yorkshire’s Integrated Care Board and through national platforms such as the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance. 

Amy Knowles is Arts and Health Administrator at darts.
 wearedarts.org.uk/
@we_aredarts  

darts is keen to continue to improve its practice, learn from others and enhance understanding of the potential of creativity in health settings. If you are interested in connecting with us, contact Lucy Robertshaw.