Vote now: Edge Hill University team shortlisted in Knowledge Exchange Awards for partnership work

Edge Hill University’s Knowledge Exchange team has won an award nomination for its partnership with the University of Salford.  

The two universities collaborated to commercialise Arts for the Blues, a creative arts-based group intervention for adults and children with depression, low mood and anxiety. The programme has already had an impact as an innovative alternative to traditional talking therapies.  

Voting has opened so people are urged to cast their votes for this collaboration. 

Over the past 18 months, Knowledge Exchange (KE) teams from Salford and Edge Hill have joined forces to make significant strides in advancing this evidence-based project, which delivers creative psychotherapies, including visual arts, movement, creative writing and music making – for adults and children.  

Christina Blakey, director of Knowledge Exchange, said: “I could not be more proud of my team and their hard work, dedication and creativity in ensuring that, in partnership with our clients, patients are able to access non-traditional therapies that meet their needs.  

“This shortlisting reflects the resilience and vision of our collaborative partnership with the University of Salford on the Arts for the Blues project. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced new ways of working and woven together the strengths of both institutions.  

“In an ever-evolving sector, being part of this transformative journey is a privilege, one that stands as a testament to our shared dedication and to the power of true partnership.”  

Together, the two universities have built a unique commercialisation model, overcoming challenges and establishing a unified operating model that involves centralised finances, shared marketing and enquiry management, legal agreements, training resources and shared governance processes.   

Thanks to this collaborative effort, Arts for the Blues has been adopted by seven institutions both in the UK and internationally, with additional partnerships underway.  

The team has trained over 80 therapists, provided upskilling to another 40 and created a thriving community of practice that supports over 300 therapists currently implementing the Arts for the Blues model.   

Jennifer Hinsley, head of business innovation services at the University of Salford, said: “It’s been a huge pleasure to work with such a professional team of Knowledge Exchange colleagues at Edge Hill University.  

“While the project has been challenging in bringing together systems from two institutions, it has taught us an incredible amount in collaborative working and how to work creatively to achieve shared goals.”   

The annual Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate the people, partnerships and creativity that are not only at the heart of the UK’s knowledge exchange endeavour, but are vital in driving UK economic growth and making a positive difference to the lives of individuals and wider society. 

Hosted by PraxisAuril, the UK’s professional association for knowledge exchange practitioners, the awards showcase the sustained impact of the world-class research base, telling the outstanding stories of crucially important innovation and impact, for which practitioners help pave the way.