Musician, Robin Williamson, who experienced worldwide success with psychedelic folk group, The Incredible String Band, was among the prominent keynote speakers at a conference, exploring the benefits of communicating feelings through art forms.

Organised by the University of Chester’s Faculty of Health and Social Care, the Communicating through the Arts in Health Care Conference allowed delegates to experience how different arts can communicate in ways conversation can not.

Organised by Debbie Wyatt and Jan Woodhouse, Senior Lecturers within the Faculty, the Conference attracted a host of other prominent keynote speakers, including Dr Cliff Richards, GP, Acting Cancer Network Lead in Primary Care; Faye Mitchell, Art Psychotherapist; Stephanie Davies, Creative Director of Laughology; Professor Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead; and Professor Tom Mason, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, both from the University of Chester.

Jan explained: “The focus of the event was to get people to think about how we communicate different messages through a variety of different formats, including music, drama, dance, literature and poetry.

“The day furthered understanding of how we can communicate through different art forms and was aimed at health and social care professionals working in adult, mental health and learning disability settings, and those who may have an interest in the arts and its relationship to health.

Debbie added: “This is the first time we have hosted this event and we received a lot of positive feedback from those who attended.”

The Conference included presentations and experiential workshops in art, drama, music, narratives, poetry and dance.