Portugal Prints is an arts project within Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster. Together, we make art to build better lives.
About us
We support artists living with mental health difficulties to construct a life beyond the services, a life of creativity and curiosity. We believe that art can empower people to express themselves, to learn, to build resilience and to nurture meaningful relationships. We offer non-clinical mental health support through the therapeutic use of art.
What We Offer
Creative Art Workshops
One-to-one Support (also known as keyworking)
Gallery Visits and Exhibitions
Development Opportunities
Our studio is home to a range of art practices - from drawing and painting, to working with textile, clay and making prints to name just a few. We also collaborate with many external organisations such as the National Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery, Jennifer Lauren Gallery and Write London.
Left: Midnight by Chris Bird
Our Approach
Portugal Prints has a long history of bridging mental health support and artistic development. Experience has taught us that this hybrid model is essential to helping people to stay well, to stay out of hospital and to build resilience.
We call our service users “artists” because we want to celebrate that the support we provide is based on meaningful social, therapeutic and creative relationships. It is within these relationships that we grow as people and as artists.
Our workshops and one-to-one support structure (otherwise known as keyworking) have therapeutic benefits, but Portugal Prints is not an art therapy service.
How We Help
Social Support
We reduce social isolation by making art and visiting galleries together.
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Our workshops are a supportive environment where difficult experiences can be shared.
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By showcasing our artist’s work, we give our artists a platform for their voices to be heard.
Emotional Support
We nurture trusting relationships between artists and staff in one-to-one support meetings (keyworking sessions).
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We maintain close ties with our artists’ mental health support networks.
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We monitor and alert mental health services if are artists become unwell.
Practical Support
We reduce stress by helping our artists with day-to-day practical difficulties such as filling in forms and applications.
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We provide advice and advocacy within our remit.
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We signpost our artists to appropriate services.
Creative Support
We build our artists’ confidence in making art.
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We teach new skills and artistic techniques.
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We support artists to run peer-led workshops and learn presentation skills.
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We give artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art.
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We support artists to move on to other creative courses or projects.