Participating Organisations

Trauma informed women’s justice system

Senior Occupational Therapist Assistant:

“The Maizels Method group we run has proven to be extremely beneficial at our site, providing participants with the confidence to engage in art without any prior experience. We have had attendees who were initially hesitant to join, yet after participating, expressed pride in the artwork they created and were glad they had taken part.

This group fosters a strong sense of achievement, particularly for individuals who may feel uncertain about their abilities. Participants often express excitement in anticipation of the next session, eager either to continue their current projects or begin new ones. The sessions also serve as a valuable social opportunity, bringing people together to connect and discuss everyday life.

A wide range of artistic options is available, from beginner to more advanced projects, accommodating diverse skill levels. The method is suitable for all ages, and the clear, step-by-step instructions enable participants to continue exploring art independently.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Maizels Method, as it has had a significant positive impact on our participants and consistently receives excellent feedback from those who attend.”

Community hub leads:

  • We have had participants who were reluctant to do the method due to bad mental space proceed with it and end up calmer and loving the focus and accomplishment of making their art.
  • The Maizels Method has been really beneficial for our participants. They find it calming, and it gives them a real sense of achievement. When people do engage with it, they tend to get fully absorbed in the process and are genuinely proud of their finished piece.
  • Everyone who taken part have enjoyed the progress and how each step turns into a gorgeous picture.
  • Once word gets round more join in.
  • One girl was very anti to take part. Then she saw others taking part and started joining in and surprised herself when she started the lobster. Next week she was 1st through the door to complete. She even started helping new girls with there pictures.
  • The sessions are helping with the participants mental health and wellbeing . They are finding the session calm, relaxing and therapeutic. Two participants have said they have never done art before in their life’s and can not even remember painting as a child  which was hard to hear.
  • One participant also said art  helped  with his drug use as was distracted and more focused on his art work.
  • Some had said they have never done an art painting session before and were reluctant at first. Now they keep asking to paint and are over the moon when we have art sessions.
  • Most left feeling proud and wanted to take pic home to show family.

Participants:

  • I didn’t think I could make anything, but I’m proud of what I did.
  • I liked learning a new skill, it boosted my confidence.
  • This session helped me relax and switch off

HM Prison Durham

“Men from the group have said repeatedly how much they enjoy the sessions, not just for the art projects, but because it gives them time to just sit in a calm place and paint, makes them relaxed and calms their minds. This small group have all said they are enjoying the group a lot.”