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A qualitative study evaluating the impact of programmes offered at the Arts Integrated creative space in Christchurch has been released.

Arts Integrated is a charitable trust that offers performing arts programmes and opportunities to school leavers with intellectual disabilities.

The study used the Most Significant Change technique, which involves collecting stories from people and stakeholders closely involved in the programme to evaluate the impacts and changes as a result of the programme's involvement.

Four case studies

The study includes four case studies themed on the study’s findings:

  • Acquiring New Skills
  • Self-Expression in a Safe Space
  • Increased confidence
  • Making New Friends.

*All participants’ names have been changed.

Less anxious and better equipped

Under the acquiring news skills theme, 23-year-old Pauline* explains that in addition to her new performance and writing skills she also feels fitter, less anxious and better equipped in terms of social skills.

Oliver*, a father of two young men who have been participants in the Arts Integrated programme for several years, says his sons have developed confidence and a sense of purpose from having the opportunity to learn in a safe and accepting environment

Luke*, 21, says he has developed a range of skills from participating in the programme and reported a “marked increase in his confidence in terms of interpersonal skills, self-expression and in performing arts”.

Making new friends

The theme of making new friends occurred in almost all of the stories gathered. James*, 23,  says he has benefitted from making many new friendships and has changed since joining the programme. He says that he has learned new ways to express himself and is “happier having so many friends”.

Furthermore, Pauline* says she feels less lonely than she did before joining the programme, and Name3* says he is enjoying and valuing new friendships he has developed at Arts integrated.

Download the report

Most Significant Change analysis    (PDF)

Most Significant Change Analysis   (WORD)

 

 

 

Research on benefits of Arts Integrated programmes

 
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