Arts on Prescription

Rebecca Barnstaple, one of our incredible IMPROVment® researchers/instructors and our resident “emotional support Canadian,” recently presented at an Ontario-based webinar on the topic of social prescribing. Recent research has shown that arts participation lead to a wide range of improvements in physical and mental health, including improved cognitive functions, reduced instances of depression, and better management of chronic pain, just to name a few. A 2019 evidence review by the World Health Organization Europe, mapping global research and case studies, found that arts play a significant role in health promotion and management and has the potential to “address complex challenges for which there are no current healthcare solutions.

Other presenters included:
Art Gallery of Ontario
Canada National Ballet School
CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre
North York Family Health Team
South Riverdale Community Health Centre

Click here to watch Rebecca’s 10-minute presentation.