Referrals

Art Matters: Referral Criteria

Who we support

Applications to Art Matters are open to individuals aged over 18 years who live in Surrey and experience mental ill health.

The Referral Process: Getting Started

We accept self referrals so you can contact us directly or we accept referrals from community mental health teams, GPs, or any other agency currently supporting you.  

Visits

We ask that anyone interested in attending Art Matters visit the studio in the first instance. Please phone or e-mail the studio to arrange your informal visit.

Individuals who attend Art Matters are required:

  • To have an interest in exploring their creativity.
  • To be motivated to attend and engage in the art making process.
  • Have a low level of risk to self and others.
  • Agree and sign up to ‘Harmony for All’ – a code of good and respectful conduct. 

* Please note we are not an Art Therapy setting. Art Matters is a non-clinical community art studio for those experiencing low to moderate mental ill health and as such is unable to offer placements for people currently at risk of:

  • Active risk of harm to self.
  • Recent suicide attempt or still in crisis.
  • Active risk of harm to others or recent history of violence.
  • Active symptoms of psychosis.
  • Personality traits that would make engagement with the Studio difficult for the other members.
  • Individuals with complex or challenging behaviour.
  • Drug and alcohol misuse at a level of misuse likely to prevent engagement.

* There can be provision for those requiring the additional support of clinical staff during sessions to be accompanied. Please contact the studio to discuss.

* ‘Harmony for All’ is the Art Matters code of conduct, created by people attending.

If you feel that your mental health would benefit through attending Art Matters, please contact the studio for more information; enrolment is by referral. Click here to fill out our referral form! 

                                                                                   

Sue
Art Matters Artist

"Being an artist at Art Matters is a total joy. Print making has creativity, process, discipline and the thrill of revealing the print from the press. Total mindful focus and a physical exercise. Perfect combination in supportive company, wonderful staff."

Chelsie
Art Matters Artist

"Attending art matters has had a major impact on improving my quality of life as I was recovering from trauma and addiction. I feel I am part of a community where I belong."

Janet
Art Matters Artist

"Coming to Art Matters gives me a space where I feel safe & at peace. I don't get out much & when I come here the other people in the group are friendly, but if you're having a bad day, nobody will bother you. The staff are very kind, helpful & will help you if they can."

Mark
Art Matters Artist

" I find it positive, helpful & fulfilling. It helps with my depression. "

Anonymous
Art Matters Artist

" Art Matters has been a sanctuary during challenging times. It has helped me to take my mind off difficulties. I have learnt new techniques and created things I wouldn't have previously thought possible. I have been braver and more confident in my art and this has made me braver and more confident in the outside world. Thank you to everyone at Art Matters! "

Jo
Art Matters Artist

"Art Matters is a safe place to explore creativity. You are free to work on anything that you would like, and I consider myself very lucky to be able to attend."