Research

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Preamble to the constitution of the World Health Organisation

It is our central belief that the arts have the power to transform lives, communities and opportunities for people throughout the country.

Arts Council England and the Department of Health (2004)

Access and participation in the arts are an essential part of our everyday wellbeing and quality of life.

Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, Sept 2008

The essence of the writing technique is that it forces people to stop what they are doing and briefly reflect on their lives. It is one of the few times that people are given permission to see where they have been and where they are going without having to please anyone.

James Pennebaker, Professor of Psychology, University of Texas

Research into expressive writing shows improvements in a wide range of physiological areas such as enhancing the immune system, reducing resting blood pressure levels in healthy adults, and improving lung function in asthma patients. Psychologically, expressive writing can lead to mood changes, both in the short and long term, and behaviourally it appears to affect academic performance, and can help in dealing with an individual's social life.

(Lepore and Smyth 2002)

Expressive and explorative writing develops confidence, co-operation and collaboration, encourages skill sharing, the development of team building, and enhances ability to deal with conflict in an artistic, aesthetic process.

Gillie Bolton

The evidence is mounting that the act of writing about traumatic experience...can produce measurable changes in physical and mental health. Emotional writing can also affect people's sleeping habits, work efficiency, and how they connect with others.

James Pennebaker, Professor of Psychology, University of Texas

Writing therapy has been shown to be beneficial with people at particular stages of life associated with experiencing strong feelings.

Jeannie Wright & Man Cheung Chung (British Journal of Guidance & Counselling)