Falling UP to Recovery: co-created, artistic practice for holistic mental health care in Scotland

This paper focuses on Gugging's model of therapeutic care for mental illness. It introduces the constantly evolving concept of Gugging and its holistic methodology as a sustainable humane, creative alternative to the predominant model currently adopted in Scotland. Primary research fieldwork is carried out through participation, residency and collaborative processes, in Austria. Gugging advocates an empathetic, person-centred model of healthcare connecting to principles of on-going design for mental health. The theme and concept of Gugging's process underpins the exploratory nature and creative processes of Falling UP, which itself is unique, holistic creative intervention, constantly evolving, adapted and honed through practice-based doctoral research; offering a radical rethink of how mental healthcare can be conceptualized and considered Scotland. In this paper, both Gugging and Falling UP are presented as integral to the lead author's ongoing recovery from mental illness and his ever-developing relationship to it.