Springforward is part of our whole systems service, which engages directly with community and voluntary organisations, local stakeholders, and creative people. Springforward devises and promotes imaginative ways to enhance positive wellbeing to enable communities to thrive and flourish.

It is project managed by Trust Art Project, a consultancy that provides Imaginative Solutions for Positive Change. Our services include:

Motivational- Use of positive psychology methods to drive change or transformation for individuals, groups or organisations: coaching, training, facilitation, mentoring.

Insight- Meaningful insight to drive change

Evidence based- Our activities and  interventions are creative, tailored to each project's unique needs and evidenced based to provide wellbeing benefits.

Service Design- creative ways to implement or support change and transformation

Engagement and Participation- Authentic methods including co- production, client- led, Open Space, inclusive and democratic participation

Interventions- Design, development and use of evidenced interventions

Whole Systems- developing authentic programmes with many stakeholders 

Evaluation and research- evidenced and specially designed measurements and evaluation methods, use of IPA, validated questionnaires, Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment

Inclusive and culturally competent- non- language based methods, cultural relevancy

Creative- associate professional creatives including drama, multi media, visual art, music, film, photography, story telling for imaginative solutions

RECENT PROJECTS

LAMBETH HEALTH CENTRE ARTS COMMISSIONS 2008- 2011

Commissioning of public artists to create new art works for new health centre builds in Lambeth. Projects informed through local residents participatory art workshops.

Whittingdon Centre, SW16

Streatham Sexual health Clinic, SW16

Baldry Gardens, SW16

Tulse Hill health Centre, SE12

Springfield Health centre, SE9

SPRINGFORWARD ARTS TRAIL- LAMBETH, 2007- 2010

 

Springforward Arts Trail, has been 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 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 developed for Lambeth by NEF (New Economics Foundation), as well as developing it’s own unique models of evaluating the events.

 

HISTORY

2006

Springforward Arts trail 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.