Siblings of children with disabilities: improving health well-being through creativity

The siblings of disabled children have been the subject of considerable research since the 1980s, when they were first identified as possessing health inequalities relative to their peers. There has been limited provision of services in the UK to address this imbalance. Many families experience feelings of guilt over the varied levels of attention they are able to dedicate to each child and anxiety about the effects this may have on the well-being and emotional growth of non-disabled siblings. The organisation Arts for Health Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has been involved in developing and delivering a project that uses the creative arts to "make time" for the non-disabled brothers and sisters of disabled children. Siblings taking part are divided into two age groups, 7-12 year olds and 13 year olds upwards, and sessions are facilitated by experienced creative arts practitioners. Self-referral from siblings or parents is encouraged, but referrals also come from health and social services professionals. The aim is to create a fun, yet safe and supportive, environment where creative activities such as art and drama can be enjoyed and feelings about living with a disabled child can be explored in a nonintrusive way. Such feelings may be difficult to express at home or elsewhere. The families involved have reported positive effects and have come to value the regular support and space the project offers.