Arts Therapies and the Public Sector Recession: Survival Planning
Edinburgh Saturday 21 November 2009
We raised the subject of the public sector recession at this year's BAAT AGM. The combination of massive public sector debt following the bailing out of banks in crisis, a near definite change of government to one promising 'austerity' in the public sector, the increase in mental health problems caused by unemployment and the end of a ten year investment programme mean that 2011 will be a time of cuts and change like no other.
Services are making plans for this now and it is vital that art therapists engage with their organisations strategy quickly and make their case. Art therapy services can often be seen as a soft option for cuts due to our size and the comparative evidence base. BAAT' s view is that Arts therapies are essential for this new climate and the arts have a crucial role in this new economic context. What must be understood is that any kind of isolation will not protect your service: the Arts Therapies professions will fare better if we work together on this and share approaches.
This event will be practical and will look at how to make the case for arts therapies in this climate. We will also look at developing the means for us to work together. Such a time of change can present opportunities, but only for those who engage creatively with the demands.
Please note: all BAAT events are advertised well in advance and are very popular. To avoid disappointment because the course you want to do is full, please book early. We do not reserve places until we have your application form and payment, so please plan accordingly. If you are applying through your employer or training department, please send us a copy of your application form directly as some departments have been so slow to process these that courses have been full by the time your form arrived. Do not book travel until you have received confirmation of your place from the BAAT office. Thanks.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@baat.org or sent via fax to 0207 837 7945. Cancellations made one month or before will be refunded in full minus £10 administration fee. Less then one month but more than 14 days before the course will be charged at 50%. Less then 14 days notice will be fully chargeable.
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