Chrysalis was an 18 month programme of creative arts interventions targeting four specific ‘at risk’ groups with the intention of increasing positive mental wellbeing. Chrysalis was delivered as part of the Target: wellbeing portfolio for Preston, Lancashire.

Chrysalis was delivered in partnership between Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan and Bluestreak Arts with Groundwork LWW taking responsibility for administration of the project and Bluestreak Arts delivering the frontline work including the design and delivery of workshop schemes and taking the lead in the delivery of the Chrysalis Expo; Preston’s Wellbeing Festival.

Target: Wellbeing aims to help people live healthier and happier lives. It’s a programme of over 90 projects that increase exercise, encourage healthier eating and promote mental wellbeing. Funded by £8.9m from National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, it’s managed by Groundwork for the benefit of targeted communities across the Northwest.

Target: Wellbeing is made up of three elements: ten local area-based programmes, two pan-regional programmes and a regional support network. 85% of the programme will be delivered by the voluntary and community sector. The Preston area offers six projects which are being delivered over four years as part of target: wellbeing. One of these projects is the Chrysalis Project.

There were four strands to the Chrysalis project each targeting an ‘at risk’ group and delivered in the community as a front line service. These strands were:

Identity and History –

This strand used 3D art materials such as clay, plaster cast, mosaic and model making to explore identity with older adults. Workshops were delivered in several care homes and sheltered residencies across the city. The works created include 2 x 1m sq mosaics and a collection of tiles and handmade planting pots.

Culture and Diversity –

Working with children aged 5 – 13 this strand delivered visual arts activities which explored cultural diversity through Mandala Patterns. Over 100 children took part in the scheme and all the art work created was exhibited in site specific installations at schools across the city.

Explore and Create –

An exciting strand working with media, film and animation produced a series of short films about mental well being and what can impact on your positive mental health. This was alongside a project entitled ‘Don’t label me’. Working with a young male poet who is a schizophrenic young people aged 14 – 25 created a film about stigma and mental health, exploring why we stigmatize and the effects the isolation can have. The film and others were screened as part of the festival.

My Journey –

Working directly with people’s who have been affected directly by mental ill health this strand worked towards the production of a new theatre show called ‘My Journey’. The strand delivered a series of workshop schemes including Creative Writing, Visual Arts and Photography and worked towards the formation of a theatre company which wrote and produced a show for premiere at the Chrysalis Expo Festival.