Healthwatch Hear My Voice Project

Healthwatch Redbridge commissioned Performance Art Life Skills to deliver the Hear My Voice project, a six-week creative arts initiative involving people with lived experience of mental ill health, including service users, carers, support workers and service providers. The project combined a survey of local residents' experiences of mental health services with a series of performance workshops, culminating in participant-led sketches based on real experiences of mental health support in Redbridge. 

Survey responses indicated that most participants were broadly satisfied with local mental health services, but several recurring concerns were identified. The most common issues included long waiting times for talking therapies, difficulties accessing services, a need for better coordination between organisations, and a lack of awareness of available support. Respondents also wanted a wider range of community-based activities and greater investment in preventative and recovery-focused services. 

Many respondents expressed interest in creative and social activities as part of mental health support, including drama, creative arts, creative writing, digital media and fitness activities. Feedback highlighted a desire for more opportunities for social connection, self-help and peer support, alongside traditional clinical services. Some participants felt that therapeutic activities could help improve wellbeing, build confidence and reduce reliance on medication in some circumstances. 

The performance workshops themselves produced a range of positive outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved wellbeing, reduced social isolation and a stronger sense of connection with others who had shared experiences. Several described gaining new interests, feeling more comfortable expressing themselves and having something positive to look forward to each week. The peer-led and creative nature of the project was seen as particularly valuable in creating a safe and supportive environment.

Overall, the project concluded that while local mental health services were generally well regarded, there was a need for improved access to talking therapies, better signposting and a wider range of therapeutic, social and creative activities. The report suggested that community-based creative opportunities could play an important role in supporting recovery, preventing relapse and improving quality of life for people experiencing mental health difficulties.