AddressDescription
Islington Mind runs day centres for adults with Mental Health issues, with a thriving creative community. At our service in Isledon Road, near Finsbury Park, we have a large art studio that includes a variety of art materials as well as a printing press and a kiln. We are looking for a Volunteer Art Teacher to teach in this space once a week.
There is the option to do this on a short-term basis, offering for example a 10 week course on one technique/medium (eg watercolour painting, pottery, printing, etc). Another option is to join us as a longer-term volunteer, offering a weekly art class on a range of techniques, and helping people with their own individual projects.
Main Duties
The main duties will be leading a weekly art class for adults with Mental Health issues. As our project works with people with a range of Mental Health issues, including people with severe and enduring mental illness, part of the role would include supporting our clients to engage with art, and managing any issues that arise in the group. Some of our clients can struggle to focus or to understand instructions, and so support may be needed to help clients access the session.
What will the volunteering role offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you?
Training will be offered in Mental Health awareness and safeguarding, there is also the opportunity to pursue accreditations such as Mental Health First Aid. Volunteers would develop skills in teaching, group facilitation, and working with people with Mental Health issues. Experience gained in this role would be useful for anyone looking to move into teaching or group facilitation, or looking to work in the community, for charities, or in health or social care settings. This role could be particularly useful for anyone interested in training in Art Therapy in the future.
