Promoting young people’s mental health and well-being through participation in the arts: A mixed-methods service evaluation of the Zinc Arts ArtZone programme

Abstract

Arts-for-health initiatives are associated with improvements in mental health, wellbeing and social inclusion; however, research amongst young people is sparse. The aim of the study was to conduct a mixed-methods evaluation of a participatory arts programme for young people with, or at risk of, mental ill health. The Zinc Arts ArtZone programme involved working with individuals aged 11-25 in South East England, engaging them in arts activities over ten-week courses in community and secure unit settings. 122 course participants completed pre/post measures of mental illness severity and wellbeing, and 34 participants took part in interviews and focus groups. Mental illness severity significantly decreased and mental wellbeing significantly increased. Participants reported social and emotional benefits including decreased social isolation and increased social inclusion and mental wellbeing. Participatory arts interventions may serve as a useful tool in tackling increasing mental ill health amongst young people.