Impact case study database

The projects underpin Liggett’s contributions to policies and guidelines through steering committee membership of The Wales Arts, Health and Well-being Network (WAHWN); she was affiliated with the informal group from 2013 and helped formalise it as an organisation, later becoming a member of its steering committee (2017). This represents over 90 practitioners and organisations from across Wales with the aim of consolidating the field of arts in health at a more systemic level, with research and evaluation playing a key role in forging links between the arts and health sectors. In-between-ness (2012-2013) was presented as a case study to The Senedd Cymru Cross Party Group on Arts and Health, The UK Parliament All-Party Parliamentary Group for Arts Health and Wellbeing (2014-2017), and The Welsh NHS Confederation. Liggett addressed the Welsh cabinet secretary for Health and Social Services at the launch of The North Wales Concordat for Arts and Health, and sits on its action group. The projects culminated in articles, book chapters, and a conference, and Dr Liggett’s affiliations with membership organisations where she presented her work have led to overlapping impacts over the period of 2014-2020.

(i) Shaping the content of polices and guidelines applied within the health and social care sector.

As a result of Liggett’s involvement in WAHWN and the steering committee for the North Wales Arts in Health Concordat, contributions have led to the Arts Council Wales (ACW) renewing their memorandum of understanding in 2018 to demonstrate their commitment to embedding arts and health initiatives across the NHS in Wales [ source 1]. Briefing for the Cross-Party Group on ‘Arts and Health’ are based on WAHWN recommendations. In 2020, one member of the Senedd Cymru commented at the Welsh Assembly of the value of arts during the pandemic, in reference to information presented by WAHWN [ source 2]. Liggett was instrumental in informing the development of the North Wales Concordat for Arts in Health, and subsequently implementing its pledges. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, said: “Engaging in creative activities plays an important in the prevention of poor health and in recovery following a period of physical or mental ill-health (sic). It can also help ease social isolation during periods of acute or chronic ill health” [ source 1]; (these plans have been slowed due to COVID-19, but are still prominent) [ source 3].

(ii) Shaping the training, development and working practices for arts and health practitioners

Training was identified as a need in the sector by ACW, as evidenced in their mapping document ‘Arts in Health in Wales: A mapping Study of current activity’ (2018). Findings from the In-between-ness project (2010-2013) informed BCUHB's ‘Creative Well' Strategy, and helped determine these training requirements for artists working in health settings across North Wales [ source 4]. Liggett scoped the steps needed for implementation, which led to a funded PhD studentship to research the training and professional development for arts in health practitioners [ sources 5a and 5b]. In response to this, Liggett has assisted WAHWN in the organisation of training events for artists in 2018-2020 [ source 2]. This research has been feeding back into the University Health Board’s Strategy and allowed for the expansion of arts and health provision throughout the region [ source 4].

The Artist and Partner Toolkit, developed by Liggett in 2016 from the findings of In-between-ness (with independent consultancy, ADDO), is also being used by artists working in BCUHB to help them develop their practice when working in the health and wellbeing sector [ source 6]. One artist said: “Most of my partners welcome this Toolkit, because it is especially aimed at non –artists as it helps them understand their objectives more clearly and assists them in visualising the end goal” [ source 7].

Findings from the early stages of Liggett’s dementia and painting research, and Toolkits from 2016 also informed the final year of the, 'A Degree of Responsibility' (ADOR) programme at Wrexham Glyndwr University - a Big Lottery Funded (£493,730) initiative [ source 9], which led to a co-production of community projects and interventions with voluntary groups, public, and third sector organisations across North Wales. Creative practice was used as a means of communication for those with health and wellbeing needs. One project, ‘Create and Grow’ (2017-18), provided opportunities for approximately 210 Key Stage 2 pupils to acquire mindfulness techniques and then to immerse those techniques in creative arts projects. The pupils’ teacher said, “There were clear beneficial results on the children’s emotional wellbeing, mental health, ability to learn and even the physical health of the children who took part in the project. Teachers also learned how to integrate the high impact, quick and cheap intervention into their teaching” [ source 10].

(iii) Delivering positive health and wellbeing impacts to service users.

The research based on In-between-ness (2010-2013) has delivered positive outcomes for the health and wellbeing of citizens, and for public understanding of how to best support those living with physical and mental health issues in North Wales and globally, through dissemination of research findings [ R1-R6]. BCUHB Arts, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator said, “There were direct health benefits for the six participants who were being treated at the Hergest Psychiatric Unit, Ysbyty Gwynedd, in the In-between-ness project including; recognition as to how their emotional perceptions of their environment was changing; as well as an increased positive sense of self and personal authenticity. Ultimately this led to their sense of agency in relation to their recovery” [ source 4].

In 2017, the Potential of Painting project contributed to new ways of communicating with people living with dementia, helping to de-stigmatise dementia and raise awareness and public understanding of the condition to combat isolation and give validation to the grief experienced. ‘Lost in Art’ Director, Denbighshire Arts said, “The feedback from the group was extremely positive with them reporting that they felt comfortable in trying new things and that they were supported and able to express themselves creatively. There were clear health benefits too; with an increase in confidence, improved mood and improved communication skills reported” [ source 8].

Other projects that Liggett initiated for the ‘Creative Well’ programme at BCUHB include workshops with the help of students to over 60 patients at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital (2017-2018). Arts, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator said, “Staff on the wards reported increased levels of communication with the patients they cared for who live with dementia and also reduced agitation after the workshops. The hospital environment was also improved too, through the framing and display of the paintings made by patients around geriatric wards within the hospital” [ source 4].