Using art to communicate what’s on the inside, out.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and months of restrictions, isolation and stress have taken a serious toll on mental health in our communities, with bereavement and loss at the core of physical and psychological distress.
For Learning Disabled (LD) populations, the pandemic has had a devastating impact, where access to community services have become strained or stopped operating altogether. Many LD individuals will have lost loved ones over this past year. It is imperative that we consider how we can support this loss and grief as we shift towards the “new normal”.
Bereavement can be especially challenging for LD populations, as they are often removed from conversations and rituals surrounding death and loss. We firmly believe it is essential that all people be given access and support to understand death and loss.
Protecting or excluding someone from properly experiencing grief and mourning can often lead to more significant future difficulties, which can have a dramatic impact on not just the individual, but on their entire support network. To aid in the grieving process, feelings need to be externalised, named and shared – effectively working from the inside, out.
How the creative arts can help
The creative arts can play a unique role in supporting LD adults with grief as they can be adapted to the needs of individuals and can be used with people of differing abilities. We know that for some people, thoughts and feelings can be difficult to put into words, which is why non-verbal approaches like art, music and dance can ease and promote communication about difficult topics.
Inside Out provides accessible and inclusive arts workshops where participants can explore their grief while forming part of a supportive community with shared struggles. Our service is primarily aimed at Learning Disabled adults and focuses on those who have been isolated and/or have had few resources and support surrounding their losses. |