Art for anxiety relief (AFAR) group

Art for Anxiety Relief (AFAR) is a six-week support programme that runs for one hour a week utilising art as a tool to help manage your anxiety. Our range of AFAR facilitators bring their own unique genre of art to the sessions, from classic and abstract, to modern and creative. Delivered by artists, sessions are designed to help you discover the benefits of art, while also using it as a tool to distract from anxiety.

Anxiety UK reserves the right not to hold a group session in the event that the minimum booking number (8) is not achieved and in which case, programme participants will be informed. Once the maximum number of participants (15) is reached, your booking will be allocated to the next available course.

Inclusion criteria

• You are have an interest in art and would like to use art as a distraction from anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression.
• You are ready, willing and able to commit to attending the Art for Anxiety Relief sessions.

Exclusion criteria

• You have acute behavioural agitation (treated mania and psychosis).
• You have acute psychosis and a pre-existing diagnosis of severe and enduring, unstable mental illness
• You have a diagnosis of personality disorder at a severe/complex level
• You have a moderate and severe impairment of cognitive function (e.g. dementia); or moderate and severe impairment due to autistic spectrum problems or learning disabilities
• You have an alcohol or drug issue that is at a level which is highly likely to interfere with your ability to fully engage with group sessions.
• You are under 18.

You understand the sessions do not offer any treatments or cures for any medical/psychological conditions that you may have, nor make any kind of guarantees or outcomes from your participation in the sessions.

Whilst attending the sessions, you must ensure that you comply with the below ground rules:

• Be respectful to others always – we are all different and it’s important we are heard. Try not to interrupt or speak over anyone – it often takes great courage to contribute, so it is important we create a space to listen and speak one at a time; allowing everyone to contribute and for their contribution to be valued.
• Be mindful of the language and terms we use; avoiding referring to groups or individuals in a way that could be deemed offensive.
• Do not make assumptions, judgements or statements about others – everyone has experiences that are very different, so empathy and compassion are important.
• It is very important that we all respect confidentiality as it is essential that people can speak confidently and safely.
• Ensure you are in a confidential environment free of distractions when attending the sessions to ensure the group’s safety. You are not permitted to take screenshots, photos or make any recordings at any time during sessions.
• Please be careful not to share personal information during sessions. This is to keep you safe as well.
• Please set your phones to silent or switch off during sessions.

If you are unable to attend a pre-booked session, you should cancel your place giving at least 48 hours’ notice by following the cancellation link that can be found within the original Zoom registration confirmation email.  Alternatively, email: partners@anxietyuk.org.uk.

Please note we are not able to issue a refund.

If you have any other questions, please email partners@anxietyuk.org.uk