Springforward is a festival programme, which engages directly with artists, community and voluntary organisations, to commission and promote creative ways to enable anyone who lives or works in Lambeth to experience the link between participating in creative activity and positive mental wellbeing.

Springforward is part of Lambeth’s ongoing work on mental wellbeing and highlights the importance of being creative and participating in the arts as a way to enhance well being.

As well as aiming at the general public, the project also particularly works to engage people experiencing stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. This includes people who may be at risk of or experiencing poor mental health to take an active part in creative activity. The emphasis is on participation, inclusion, diversity, developing and showcasing local talent and, more than anything, enjoyment!

The project seeks to assess and evaluate activities included in Springforward against robust well being measurements such as Mental Well Being Impact Assessment and other recognized well being measurement tools, as well as developing it’s own unique models of creatively evaluating the events.

2006

Springforward was initiated in 2006 in response to a public consultation aimed at developing the mental health strategy for Lambeth. The consultation highlighted arts and creativity as one of the priorities residents felt important for their wellbeing.

Springforward was then delivered as a traditional one-day event in March, showcasing local performance and musical groups, alongside exhibitions and participatory workshops. It has continued to develop and grow with the Lambeth Community.

2007

In 2007 it became a physical arts trail of creative events with a directory/ arts trail map printed to market them, promoting what was happening across the borough during October, traditionally when World Mental Health Day is celebrated. A low-key showcase performance and exhibition event, in collaboration with London Arts in Health Forum, was held in November to promote some of the key events featured in the trail.

2008

In 2008 the project expanded to October and November, promoting more activities and continuing to deliver an awareness of wellbeing through arts and creativity. The Arts Trail format remained the same. Funding was attracted from the Well London Programme- Be Creative Be Well! to run projects in the Larkhall area (a designated Super Output Area). The funding specifically enabled the commissioning of 12 artist led workshops and materials, matched administration, marketing and design. Printing, and another showcase event in November.

The programme included a diverse range of projects reflecting the different communities across the borough including events for children and young people and older adults. Activities were aimed at all abilities. Activities were of exceptional quality ranging from Orchestra performances to local community projects. Many activities linked with other themes going on at the time, such as World Mental Health Day (October 10^th), Black History Month, and Elders Month. 

As well as attracting a large number of the general public and artists, the 2008 arts trail and map attracted members of the community experiencing isolation and loneliness and sign-posted them to activities that provided opportunities for expression and contact.

2009

In 2009 Springforward has developed into a more sustainable festival, with a 6 month long programme of innovative and engaging events. Due to its complexity and size, it has developed into a web site with associated marketing such as posters, flyers, facebook and network events. In November, there will be a multi disciplinary performance and exhibition event to showcase some of the projects and activities promoted throughout the festival.