Artlift

17/04/2026

Artlift's new partnership pilot has launched Winchcombe Creative Carers, supporting unpaid carers through 7 creative sessions.

The sessions provide an opportunity for carers to try a range of creative arts activities in a supportive group setting. No prior art experience is required.

The sessions are designed to support wellbeing, reduce isolation, and provide dedicated time for carers to take time for themselves.

Anyone aged 18+ in or around Winchcombe who provides regular, unpaid support to a loved one can join us.
To find out more or refer: visit https://artlift.org/winchcombe-creative-carers/or get in touch 01452 222 726 / [email protected]

There is no cost to attend, and all arts materials will be provided.

Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance Gloucestershire Carers Hub Gloucestershire County Council NHS Gloucestershire

12/04/2026

A chance to sing your way to feeling better!

Starting this April, you can join our ‘Sing & Song’ sessions as part of Artlift's Living Well with Chronic Pain programme, running Friday mornings in Gloucester.

These sessions are specially created with and for people living with chronic pain and have been shown to help improve mood and make pain easier to manage.

No singing experience needed.
Click here to join us: https://artlift.org/join-in/ and complete the Living Well form.

07/04/2026

Artlift: Flourish Exhibition, Southmead Hospital, Bristol
Flourishing through Creativity

We're delighted to present a special exhibition celebrating the creativity and voices of its community through a curated selection of works from past Flourish magazine editions. Showcasing powerful stories, artwork and reflections, the exhibition highlights the impact of creativity on health and wellbeing, with a focus on people impacted by cancer.

The exhibition will be hosted in the Atrium of Southmead Hospital in Bristol, in partnership with Fresh Arts, from 27 April to 24 August 2026. Set within a healthcare environment, the display invites patients, staff and visitors alike to pause, reflect and connect with the transformative role of creative expression.

As part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2026, a celebration day will take place on Monday 18 May. This special event also forms part of Artlift’s 20th anniversary year, marking two decades of supporting people through creativity. The celebration will be co-hosted with Fresh Arts and fellow Bristol-based Creative Health charity Creative Shift, bringing together partners, participants and the wider community to honour the role of creativity in supporting wellbeing.

Flourishing through Creativity

23/03/2026

We want to reach more people living with mental and physical health challenges, helping them try creative activities as a way to better manage their health and wellbeing.
To do that, we need your support.

We’re raising funds through the Big Give to continue and expand our arts for health groups. Keeping them free and accessible to those who need them most.

Every donation helps us to reach more people, run more groups, and create more opportunities for connection and creativity.

You can support us through our BIG GIVE Fundraising page: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000004a70fYAA

Thank you for considering Artlift!

17/03/2026

Nearly 40% of respondents to our recent men's survey told us they feel anxious about trying something new. That feeling can be a huge barrier to accessing support, especially when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.

We met with Tony, who told us he felt the same before he first joined an Artlift group. now he’s sharing his story, about what changed and why it mattered.

If you've ever felt unsure about trying something new, you're not alone.
Read Tony’s story, and perhaps come and join one of our groups just like Tony did! https://artlift.org/tonys-story-not-enough-men-speak-about-their-mental-health-id-like-to-see-that-change/

Simon Opher for Stroud
Association of Mental Health Providers NHS Gloucestershire

16/03/2026

Today is Disabled Access Day serving as a reminder of the importance of using and creating spaces where everyone can take part.

When our team plan our creative health sessions we take a universal design approach with accessibility, inclusion and equity at the core. Ensuring our programmes are welcoming, flexible and supportive for people with a wide range of needs and experiences.

We believe creativity should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we aim to remove barriers so more people can connect through creativity, arts and culture.

To find out more about our programmes visit artlift.org

13/03/2026

Last night we joined the audience for Simon Opher for Stroud’s inspiring podcast, Let’s Talk, a series opening up vital conversations around men’s mental health.

The discussion featured the brilliant Dr Phil Hammond, funny, insightful and deeply thought-provoking.

Together they explored how men can keep their curiosity and interests alive (or discover new ones), with arts and crafts highlighted as a powerful way to stay engaged and connected.

A theme that strongly echoes one of the key findings from our recent men’s survey.

National Academy for Social Prescribing Art Shape NHS Gloucestershire

06/03/2026

This National Careers Week, we’ve been discussing the future of creative health as a viable career choice at Artlift HQ.

Through Artlift's partnership Future Talent research, we heard from people building careers in creative health across Gloucestershire — and why they choose this path.

Many are motivated by the chance to make a real difference to people’s wellbeing, combine creativity with care, and be part of a growing movement that connects arts and health.

careers are about more than creativity — they’re about being respected health collaborators, acknowledged as specialists in creative health assurance.

As the sector grows, so does the opportunity for new voices, new skills, and new ways of working.

25/02/2026

Black Kings featured on BBC Radio Bristol

Audrey James, Psychotherapist and founder of Restore Black, alongside Artlift Facilitator Ronnie McGrath, spoke with Sandra Green about why Black Kings was created and the importance of safe spaces for Black men.

Black Kings brings men together to talk openly about mental health, identity and lived experience, building connection and confidence through facilitated discussion and creative activity.

Listen to the full interview here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qsmm
Audrey and Ronnie chat with Sandra from 29:30 to 40:22.

Please with anyone who would benefit from hearing this insightful conversation and joining future Black Kings groups.

24/02/2026

Men in Gloucestershire, we want to hear from you.
We’ve had great responses to our men's survey, so have extended the deadline to 2 March to include as many voices as possible!

In partnership with we’re always working to make our courses more inclusive and supportive for men, focusing on mental & physical health and breaking the stigma around asking for support.

You can add your voice to the short survey (link in bio or copy: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/M15U2Q/ )

Each survey offers the chance to win £50 Love2Shop vouchers