Following a successful pilot program, the eight-week online course - MakeShift: Creativity on Prescription - will be available to anyone in NSW on a workers compensation claim.

Participants will take part in creative practices like cooking, drawing, painting, music and writing to help manage anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. However, they will need a referral to be involved.

MakeShift's co-director Caitlin Marshall said the program is taught by expert facilitators and was designed in consultation with a steering group comprising a GP clinical psychologist, social worker and an academic researcher.

Read More: Lounge-wear and home delivery saved this Wollongong retailer

Ms Marshall said all participants from the pilot reported feeling more hopeful about the future and better able to change their mood. Meanwhile 83 per cent said they felt a greater sense of belonging, felt more confident and were able to be more social.

The course is free for participants with a referral from their GP, psychologist, healthcare worker or insurance case manager. MakeShift is now taking referrals for its next program starting on August 3 - an online offering that includes home-delivered materials, weekly video chats, instructional video tutorials, and self-paced activities.

More details can be found at: www.therumpus.com.au/make-shift

Read More: How these Illawarra arts troupes kept afloat during a pandemic

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.