Why is the Dales so popular with artists we may ask ourselves? Aside from the natural beauty and its obvious inspirational scenery, perhaps there is something more beautiful lurking beneath the heart of “Art” in the Yorkshire Dales.

We are constantly hearing about the effects of mental health issues within the community and are being told of worrying and unpleasant goings on within our very own community: deaths, murders, suicide, as well as high crime rates and low employment.
The people of our community need to let out their emotions, to deal with these daily confrontations in their own way, and perhaps that is why “Art” in the Dales is so popular, as people are turning to it as an emotional outlet. Art Therapy is alive with a vengeance!

At some point in their lives, people may find themselves overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions, which are difficult to face either by themselves or with others. Art therapy offers an opportunity to explore these intense or painful thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. Mental Health provisions are not always easy to access and so small creative groups could prove to be a better option.

It involves using a wide variety of art materials, for example paints, clay and batik, to create a visual representation of thought and feelings. Art Therapy can be an individual activity but is often used very successfully in group situations.

This type of therapy is available for everyone, and that is an important thing to know. For managers suffering from stress, for those with mental health issues, for staff that are over worked, for those who find it hard to express themselves, and for those suffering from learning difficulties, “Art Therapy” is playing an important role in our community.
As an individual, on a personal level it could be used as a means of exploring inner issues. It is a safe way to express strong and sometimes sensitive or destructive feelings. It can be used for stress and anxiety management. To enhance communication between individuals, groups or professional teams. It is used to explore change. It is of particular benefit to people experiencing difficulties with written and verbal communication.

Here at Drystone Radio we pride ourselves on involving all members of our community, with no judgement or questioning, people from all backgrounds; young to older, poor health to good health and stable to less stable people come on board to create something special for our community. Our station wouldn’t be the same without them, and this is yet another outlet for emotional output and for creativity and the chance to get as many voices together with the community's interests at heart.

”Art Therapy” works in a similar way, from a social perspective: consider yourself as a professional manager of vulnerable people in the community, Art Therapy could be used to instil confidence and promote life enhancing change in the people for which you have responsibility. To give them the chance they deserve that maybe is not as easy to come by elsewhere. To change someone’s life in the best and most positive way and to give them the self respect they are duly deserving.