Elaine Argyle and Gillie Bolton
Drawing on literature and the evaluation of a UK community Arts in Health project, this article aims first to demonstrate that, in spite of the common association in mental health…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on literature and the evaluation of a UK community Arts in Health project, this article aims first to demonstrate that, in spite of the common association in mental health practice between art and the use of psychotherapeutic techniques, involvement in art creation can, in itself, have a sustained and positive impact on the mental and social wellbeing of participants and, second, to give an analysis of the different forms of arts involvement in health.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative evaluation of a successful process‐based arts in health‐care provision to existing vulnerable mental health community groups is discussed.
Findings
While the implementation of traditional forms of art therapy tends to be the preserve of those with specialist training, process‐orientated art for health projects have been found to be more versatile and are developments in which many practitioners potentially play an important part. Arts in Health provision in a community setting can offer positive health benefits, and aid health promotion.
Practical implications
More widespread, sustained funding and further evaluation and research for this accessible, cost‐effective means of health promotion in a community setting are needed.
Originality/value
Arts in Health, in institutions (such as prison and hospital) as well as community, is a rapidly expanding, successful and attractive, yet severely under‐funded provision. Descriptive in‐depth evaluations and critical analyses of the field, such as that presented here, need to be made available in order to develop the field practically and theoretically.
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Paul Crawford, Brian Brown, Victoria Tischler and Charley Baker
This discussion paper reviews and critiques literature related to the evolution of the medical humanities as an academic discipline and its contribution to healthcare provision…
Abstract
This discussion paper reviews and critiques literature related to the evolution of the medical humanities as an academic discipline and its contribution to healthcare provision. We argue that despite considerable advances in the field of medical humanities, needs have been identified for a more inclusive, outward‐facing and applied discipline. These needs can be met in the form of what we have called the health humanities, which both embrace interdisciplinarity and engage with the contributions of those marginalised from the medical humanities ‐ for example, allied health professionals, nurses, patients and carers. It is argued that there is a need for new thinking to develop the discipline of health humanities, to develop, provide and share research, expertise, training and education.
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The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the “skills” or “employability” agenda which has long been anathema to the Humanities disciplines need not be the threat it appears to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the “skills” or “employability” agenda which has long been anathema to the Humanities disciplines need not be the threat it appears to represent. This paper aims to examine the concept of realistic work environments and their focus, not only the provision of hard and soft skills, but also the democratic and transformational power they provide for the students who work in them.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper will focus on the challenges of running a realistic work environment and the issues this raises for both the facilitator and the students. Working with the authors own experience and a framework of models such as situated learning and student‐centred learning, the challenge and excitement of working with an informal mixed curriculum and forms of assessment that measure reflective and experiential learning is discussed.
Findings
Applying the Rogerian person‐centred approach to self‐transformation and to learning, it is argued that these situated learning spaces provide real opportunities for growth and development and that the shared sense of responsibility provides students with an opportunity to develop and transform in ways that are often hard to realise in the delivery of traditional Humanities modules.
Originality/value
Whilst Humanities subjects aim, in theory at least, to provide a developmental bridge between being and becoming, so too do employability skills, and it is in the developmental dimension that the two can meet and work well together. With this in mind the audience is encouraged to think about the challenges facing the Humanities in the burgeoning knowledge economy.
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We learn with interest and pleasure that, by the unanimous vote of the Council, the position of Executive Officer to the Library Association has been given to Mr. Guy Keeling…
Abstract
We learn with interest and pleasure that, by the unanimous vote of the Council, the position of Executive Officer to the Library Association has been given to Mr. Guy Keeling, B.A. We understand that over one hundred applicants were considered for the post, and that it was felt that by education and experience Mr. Keeling was eminently qualified for the work which lies ahead of the Association. Mr. Keeling is a Cambridge man, Still on the sunny side of forty, whose pleasing personality is known to many librarians who have met him at conferences of “Aslib” or at meetings of the London and Home Counties Branch. As for his work as secretary of Aslib, it has proved him to be a man of most efficient organizing capacity. We offer him a welcome to the larger sphere of librarianship and we feel sure that all our readers will do the same, and, what is better, will support him in all his efforts in it.
Natalie Coers, Jennifer Williams and Dennis Duncan
This study explored the impact of emphasis on the group development process on the perceived importance of and confidence in group work skills and students’ perception of group…
Abstract
This study explored the impact of emphasis on the group development process on the perceived importance of and confidence in group work skills and students’ perception of group work use in the collegiate classroom as developed by Tuckman and Jensen (1977). The purposive sample utilized in this study included 33 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory leadership and service course at a southern, land-grant institution. Knowledge of the group development process enhances a student’s perceived importance and confidence in group work skills. The emphasis on group development process also positively impacted students’ perception of group work being utilized in the collegiate classroom. The importance of group work skills continues to be reflective of the demand from employers; therefore, educators must continue to develop these transferable skills in today’s students. Although relevant across disciplines, leadership educators should take a leading role in developing such skills in students.
Sister Companies, BYC Rollmakers and Lancashire Tube Stockholders have found a means of sharing a large open plan, double span building in Bolton, despite the fact that they each…
Abstract
Sister Companies, BYC Rollmakers and Lancashire Tube Stockholders have found a means of sharing a large open plan, double span building in Bolton, despite the fact that they each require quite different working environments.