HERA Partnership

The HERA arts project at Brighton Health & Wellbeing Centre is a network of programmes using the arts and creative practices that enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and community.

We provide access to high-quality arts activity to people. These activities are specifically designed to improve the functional health and wellbeing of participants whether they are suffering from physical or mental illness or a combination of both.

We also embarked on a new partnership with the South Downs National Park last year year as part of our 'Deep Time' Project. This saw us and our participants explore the South Downs National Park and produce art work through photography and visual art mediums. Additionally, we also worked with coding to create digital art works, and some of this is displayed through the website below:

www.sites.google.com/readysaltedcode.com/deeptime

Below are some testimonials from those who have attended some of our artistic workshops:

Photography Walks - Testimonials

‘The photography walks group was the one most requested by patients when we launched the last round of group sessions, and ran successfully despite being held outdoors in the depths of winter.’

‘It was a good photography session. I learnt to be more observant of my surroundings and it made me be interested to be in the moment.’

Narrative Group - Testimonials

‘It was big step for me to join a weekly group that starts later in the day. I found that in spite of the limitations of my chronic illness I was able to come every week, and in fact I would leave the group feeling better. So I’ll look for other groups to join. It truly has been an enormous benefit for me to feel like a ‘normal’ person doing normal things with others in a shared exploration. Perhaps I’ll join that ukulele group I saw! Our existing group will meet up informally a few times to have a cuppa and catch up and give encouragement.’

Dance and Movement - Testimonials

Rosaria’s class came at an essential time for me, whist I was caring for my son with severe mental health issues. It is not the kind of thing I would normally join, but thought to try it as a one off and have never looked back. I felt like I had not smiled for quite some time, but cannot help smiling in her class. She is so charismatic, funny and amazing at what she does. There is such a great mix of different movement for all levels, so everyone is included. This class has seriously changed my life and I don’t know what I would have done without it. With so much gratitude for this incredible service that you offer Rosaria and may it continue for a long time to come.