Creative Approaches to Mental Health

Following a global pandemic, and the huge impact it has had on people’s mental health, it is timely that we invest in innovative approaches to our mental wellbeing. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating the positive influence culture and creativity can have on health. As we mark Great Mental Health Day 2023, we take a moment to highlight some important projects happening in this area. 
 

Supported by the Mayor of London, Great Mental Health Day 2023 is a London-wide initiative in its second year and will celebrate the power of community kindness, telling the story of how we’ve come together for one another across London.

The start of a new year is often a time or setting goals and seeing it as a chance for positive change or action. But for many of us, this time of year may feel challenging or lonely, particularly as increased cost-of-living pressures have an impact on many people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Londoners can get involved by exploring the interactive map on Thrive LDN’s website or using the hashtag #GreatMentalHealth to share their own stories, experiences and plans for the day across all social media platforms.

Acknowledging the importance of arts and culture for our wellbeing, it is essential that all Londoners, no matter their age or access needs, can take part in creative activities. In 2021, the Mayor of London launched the Dementia Friendly Venues Charter, as part of the journey to design a more inclusive city. All venues of London are invited to do a self-assessment and accredit as Dementia-Friendly, ensuring those living with dementia can access cultural provision. 

Find out more about the Charter, and how to become a Dementia-Friendly venue 

Young people’s mental health has been hard-hit by the pandemic, and creativity can help build pathways to wellbeing and confidence. In 2022, Mayor of London supported the development of the 2.8 Million Minds Manifesto, designed by and for young people to instigate positive change in how their mental health services are imagined and delivered in London. This year, we continue the journey, testing a studio and committee for 2.8 Million Minds in Tower Hamlets. We are also developing a new network of young people, arts organisations, health workers, and youth workers producing amazing art with young people impacted by mental health challenges. This will be a space to share experiences, knowledge, resources, a nurtured group to learn collectively and build capacity. These regular gatherings start on 9th February at the Southbank Centre. Find out more.

In the USA, the city of Los Angeles is building communities of wellness by integrating arts and mental health wellbeing for at-risk young people and their adults. The Creative Wellbeing project launched in 2019 with a $1.5million seed grant, enabling a range of stakeholders, organisations and institutions to work together to reach those that would most benefit from creative activities. The programme aims to continue growing in the coming years, expanding on partnerships and learning to improve the provision and impact the mental health of Angelinos. 

Read all about it on the World Cities Culture Forum website 

Closer to home, our neighbours at The European Commission have been in dialogue with the European cultural sector to unpack the potential and the needs of Youth, Mental Health, and Culture. They have published a report with their findings. A range of recommendations echo the Culture team’s Thriving through Culture programme commissioned by The Mayor of London with Baring Foundation support, including: 

• Ensure access to culture to young people especially through creative participation 

• Include young people and health professionals in the design of participative activities. Establish the needs of the young in dialogue with them. 

• Encourage the integration of the cultural and creative with health and other relevant sectors. 

Delve into this rich ‘Brainstorming Report’