Creativity and Mental Health

Engaging in cultural activities improves well-being and mental health, particularly for people on the margins of society. Our research projects in this area aim to understand the impacts of this engagement, develop new approaches and share knowledge globally.

Building the Barricades

The international research project Building the Barricades investigated the impact of armed conflict and urban violence on the mental health and well-being of 140 thousand people living in Mare, the largest favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, which faces multiple stress factors and is, in its great majority, controlled by armed drug gangs and local militias.

PIECEs

Improving the wellbeing of people with psychosis in Pakistan and India through a participatory theatre technique.

Heartbeat – Creating recovery

Online Shakespeare methods for autistic young people

Far Apart UK

Far Apart UK focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its social restrictions and how arts organisations in the UK have adapted their activities by using online platforms and other means to support the mental health of young people (aged 16-24). The study uses mixed methods, combining semi-structured interviews, survey and artistic workshops.

We Still Fight in the Dark

An interdisciplinary study examining violence against women and girls (VAWG) among Brazilian migrants in London.