Read on for information on art therapy and support information for anyone whose life has been affected by a brain or head injury.
The two men in the programme exhibited previously unknown artistic skill and obsession following brain trauma. Their cases are extreme and unusual and scientists are still exploring the possibilities of their behaviour for the treatment of others.
It’s recognised that art is a useful way of communicating for people who have lost some of their usual communication skills as a result of a stroke or other brain injury.
British Association of Art Therapists - BAAT (www.baat.org) is the professional organisation for art therapists in the UK. They train therapists, run courses and can help you find a therapist to suit your needs. Email to info@baat.org or check out their website.
Other therapy associations:
Association of Professional Music Therapists (www.apmt.org)
Poetry as therapy at Poetry Magic (www.poetrymagic.co.uk/therapy.html)
Association for Dance Movement Therapy UK (www.admt.org.uk)
The British Association of Dramatherapists (www.badth.org.uk)
The obsessive painting that the men in this programme exhibit was likened to that of an autistic savant. Some savants are incredibly talented artists and musicians or may involve mathematical or mechanical talents. Find out more at the Brain Skills website (http://www.brainskills.co.uk/SavantSyndrome.html)
The Stroke Association (www.stroke.org.uk) campaign to improve the lives of all those affected by stroke and to prevent more strokes from happening. Contact the Stroke Helpline on 0845 3033 100 (Monday - Friday 9am -5pm) for information on stroke, how to get help and support at home and other Stroke Association services, or email info@stroke.org.uk.
Headway (www.headway.org.uk ) gives help and support to people affected by brain injury. It does this through a network of local groups and branches throughout the UK . They offer a wide range of services including rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care. The services available will vary depending on local needs and resources. The Headway Helpline provides information, advice on sources of support, finds local rehabilitation services and offers a listening ear to those experiencing problems. Call 0808 800 2244 (free Monday - Fridays 9am-5pm) or e mail to helpline@headway.org.uk.
Carers UK (www.carersuk.org ) provide support and advice on all aspects of caring for someone on the CarersLine 0808 808 7777 (free, to speak to an adviser call Wednesday or Thursday 10am - 12 noon, 2 to 4pm ). You can ring this number at any other time to leave your details and have an information pack sent to you.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers (www.carers.org )provide support through its network of 144 independently managed Carers' Centres, 85 young carers services. Their website contains a wealth of useful information as does the aimed at young carers (www.youngcarers.net). Or to find your nearest centre call 0844 800 4361 (Monday – Friday 9am -5pm).
SANEline (www.sane.org.uk ) provide crisis care and emotional support to anyone affected by any mental health problem. Trained mental health staff are available to take calls 0845 767 8000 (local rate, 6 - 11pm every day of the year) or email sanemail@sane.org.uk.
Mind offers an information service on all aspects of mental health on the local rate Mindinfoline 0845 766 0163 (local rate, weekdays 9am - 5pm). To find a local branch of MIND go their website at www.mind.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk ) produce a range of publications on mental health as well as reports and briefings. Most of these can be downloaded free of charge from the website or call to order from 020 7803 1101 or email mhf@mhf.org.uk.
The Disabled Living Foundation - DLF (www.dlf.org.uk) is the UK’s leading source of expert information, advice and training on independent living for older or disabled people. It provides free, impartial advice and information on all types of daily living equipment and assistive technology . DLF can help you find solutions that enable you to stay active and independent. Check out their website or call 0845 130 9177 (local rate, Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm).
For information on rights, housing, education, benefits, and much more for people living with a disability go to www.direct.gov.uk and click on ‘disabled people’.
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