The Arts project is an ongoing project and was started in March 2008 by a group of 10 Carers who identified painting as a form of respite and a means of relaxation and relief from stress brought on by their demanding role as Carers. Since then, the project has been very successful and has experienced significant growth.
Project participants have identified the activities performed to be very therapeutic and are a form of self expression. All participants are full time Carers dedicating over 50 hours per week to caring for their loved ones, leaving little or no time to access other forms of respite activities.
The Arts group allows Carers to come together, share their experiences and work on a pleasurable activity. Painting is a form of complementary therapy for carers which supports emotional, psychological and physical well being.

The National Carers Strategy supports services which enable a holistic assessment of health and wellbeing in order for Carers to remain mentally and physically well. Through consultations with and feedback from past participants and ongoing project evaluation reports, we have found the need to continue providing this vital service to Carers experiencing social exclusion and isolation and cannot access mainstream arts provision due to the demands from their caring role.

The Art Project allows Carers to express issues affecting their role. Image making enables the Carer to look at what they are faced with and provide the opportunity to articulate their emotional realities.

Sessions provide a space away from caring and an opportunity to make more choices.

Harrow Carers Arts Project is a platform for Carers to come together to share their experiences, exchange mutual information and advice on their caring roles. The paintings will be displayed in local galleries enabling the local community to appreciate Carers hidden talents.

If you would like to join the project, please contact Harrow Carers on: Email: admin@harrowcarers.org

Tel: 020 8868 5224