August 2022. CMHT The Bridge Centre were still refusing to provide me with an alternative to iTalk. I desperately needed access to NHS talking therapies while the interim measures offered were wholly inadequate. I had completed the first course at the Wellbeing Centre and was left feeling frustrated and arguably in a worse state of mind. I continued to act as main carer to my mentally ill daughter, enjoying the excuse to escape Basingstoke town and walk to the former family home in the outlying village of Old Basing. Meg was staying with her mother while I wrestled with suicidal ideation. It was the best place for her to be in the event anything happened to me.
My weekly sessions with Isobel at Basingstoke Counselling Services were my only reliable respite though I was extremely wary during those initial few weeks. At first it didn’t seem like any therapy was actually taking place though I understand the therapeutic process much better now and realise that counselling, like most other therapeutic modalities, is a gradual process that begins with relationship building. This ensures a strong foundation of trust. While I never fully trusted Isobel ( I don’t think I will ever fully trust another therapist ). I eventually felt comfortable enough in her company to enable progress but my best work with Isobel, at this point, was well over a year away.
And then there was Artwell.
Meg’s newly appointed social worker, Phoebe Evans, made an early recommendation to Artwell, a psychologically informed creative arts group in Basingstoke. Meg turned this down because she didn’t feel confident in group settings. Phoebe initiated a carers assessment for me in June, 2022 and made the same recommendation, which I accepted.
The following month I was invited to join one of Artwell’s projects.
Artwell continues to advertise their services on the internet. Their webpage currently states
‘Welcome to ArtWell, a vibrant not-for-profit community interest company dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of art for positive change.Together, we will free the wonder of your imagination.Founded by the passionate and talented artist Corinne Marsh, ArtWell is built on a deep understanding of the emotion of fear and its impact on individuals and society. Through her own journey of overcoming mental health challenges, Corinne discovered the immense potential of creative activities in fostering personal growth and emotional healing.
Corinne's extensive experience within Community Mental Health Teams, including CMHT, The Bridge Centre, and her research into psychological processes laid the foundation for ArtWell. What began as a personal project has blossomed into a dynamic organisation that touches all community sectors. We have evolved through dedication and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, growing from time- limited initiatives into thriving projects.’
The 10 week course titled ‘Postcards from the Street’ started on Wed 20th July, 2022. The invitation began
‘WELCOME TO ... Postcards From The Street- Creative Arts Project Glebe Hall, Elbow Corner, Church Square, Basingstoke RG21 7QW I am truly excited to be sending this letter to welcome you to the psychologically informed creative arts project ‘Postcards From The Street’. You are welcomed into a unique project that combines positive use of the creative imagination subtly underpinned with psychological approaches that will enable you to maximise your abilities and opportunities to meet your personal goals…
…My name is Corinne Marsh, prior to setting up projects I worked in Mental Health Services and I now combine my Artistic practice with psychotherapy training which underpins all our project based work.’
Corinne Marsh was an absolute delight to work with. She was a truly competent artist who had exhibited in prestigious London galleries as well as a qualified teacher with real experience in mental health services. Corinne preferred her classes small. There were just five of us in the ‘postcards’ group. We had access to an abundance of pencils, brushes and paint and we were encouraged to be bold and expressive with our art. I embraced Corinne’s philosophy, drawing and painting without restraint, on paintings that were sometimes as wide as the table I was working on. Art went hand in hand with a kind of soft, informal therapy and insight into areas of psychology that were completely new to me.
Corinne’s course was an exemplar of art therapy. Whereas CAMHS art therapist, Sally Mungall, had me deliberating on my childhood traumas, producing harrowing graphic interpretations of shame and disgust, Corinne Marsh gave me permission to create a new version of myself, a new creative persona with an original, authentic vision.
Corinne learned about my former artistic career and my time spent as a teacher and lecturer. She asked me to get more involved in Artwell but the time wasn’t right. It was necessary to move on and deal with the problems caused by CAMHS in Basingstoke and the wider Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Also, I still had huge responsibilities as I continued to advocate on behalf of my daughter which absorbed most of my time. Nevertheless, I still hold on tightly to that renewed artistic vision, Corinne’s gift to me. When I clear enough space around me I will return to my former career as an artist and create new work inspired by Corinne Marsh.
Back in the beginning of August 2022 I was still waiting for Wanda Reynolds to respond to my litany of questions.
Next post 'A MURDER OF CONSPIRATORS # 23 The leaked CAMHS SAFEGUARDING - INTERNAL CASE DISCUSSION from the 1st February, 2022' to be published here on the 26th July, 2025.
