How to get involved - the referral process

Referral via a professional

As a professional you may refer your patients/clients to Creative Alternatives by completing our referral form (which can be downloaded by clicking here). By professional we mean a GP, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Nurse, Doctor, Counsellor, or anyone working in the voluntary and community sector. Please read the following guidelines to ensure your client is suitable for the programme (click here to download referral guidelines).

Self-Referral

If you wish to get involved with Creative Alternatives please speak to a professional you are in contact with (listed above) and request that they refer you to us as explained above. Or you can contact us directly by phoning the Referral Officer on 07792 000 369 or completing this form. We will then ask for your permission to contact a professional to provide us with a reference for you.

The Assessment

When the Referral Officer has received your application she will contact you to arrange your initial assessment. This informal assessment will take place somewhere in the community which is close to your home and you are comfortable visiting. The assessment will take approximately 1 hour and in that time the Referral Officer will talk to you about the project and how it may benefit your mental health.

The Referral Officer will ask you to complete a short questionnaire about how you have been feeling recently; is questionnaire will be completed again at regular stages in your participation with us so we can monitor what impact the arts are having for you. You will also be asked what medication you currently take for your anxiety/depression so please remember to make a note of this before you come. This is also the time to discuss practical issues like where and when you would be able to attend workshops.