Instead of trying to change people, present opportunities which give them options in life, says StArt Again's founder Mhairi Sloan

Trying to change people’s lives, I believe, is doomed to failure. Offering them alternatives, however, is a whole lot more feasible, especially for people who have chaotic or troubled backgrounds.

For 15 years I was a social worker before I became a mental health nurse. Working with statutory services made me realise those who most need help are at the mercy of frequently ineffective and impersonal support services.

So I thought what impact could I make, how could I help. I didn’t have much to offer other than my experience so then I turned to the one thing I was good at – art. And I realised I might have hit on a good idea.

StArt Again offers non-judgemental environment where people with mental health issues or life problems can indulge in a hobby alongside like-minded people. First and foremost it’s all about creativity, about bringing out an individual’s talent. Some people who take part are hugely talented. But the group is all about engendering self-worth, no matter what your ability.

It can take quite an intensive effort to get people to join the group. Then you have to work on making them take part and staying for the duration. Projects are over six weeks. I encourage people to be creative around a theme, something big in their life. It can be positive or negative but something that makes them think and engage with others, something they can talk about and discuss.

I don’t see the project as art therapy as such; most of the people I deal with, I believe, have just momentarily lost their way somewhere and need pointers to get back on track. And art is just one of the ways they can achieve that.

Increasingly I’m working more on intervention. I have worked with young offenders and although they do not have mental health problems, they are prime candidates for these problems in the near future. So engaging young people like this is critical. If you manage to engage with them and bring out their self-worth and build their confidence, they stand a greater chance of avoiding mental health problems or falling back into criminal behaviour. It really does work.

Unfortunately we live in an unrealistically aspirational society. Whether it’s body confidence or material worth, people aspire to things they will never achieve. And when they realise they won’t achieve these they become frustrated, disillusioned and depressed. So intervention is critical.

Creativity is a great leveller. A lot of the people who come to the group have never been told they are worth anything or been praised for their contribution to society. Many, of course, have led destructive lives which have impacted on others. I do believe punishment is an important aspect of reform. However, alongside support, people’s lives can become rehabilitated to the extent they can quite safely re-enter society as responsible individuals who carry a sense of self-worth.

Every six months we have a sale of art produced by the group. Last year a canvas went for £1,500. The girl who painted it is now working as a commercial artist and making a decent living. She just used to paint occasionally until, through the group, she realised she had a sought after gift.

Successes like that are huge to everyone involved with the project. It tells us all what we are doing has not just a personal worth but that other people value what we do. I think that’s a great, positive message to live your life by.

Mhairi Sloan is founder of StArt Again.