Led by Paul Heritage from the School of English & Drama
Research:
The research aimed to address the urgent need for effective tools for arts and mental health practitioners amidst the global mental health crisis. The project focused on developing a Mental Health Toolkit for Arts Organizations, incorporating insights from extensive research on the effectiveness of arts in building mental health resilience and a global network called YUREKA! involving 17 organizations across 11 countries, established to promote collaboration at the intersection of arts, youth, and mental health. The challenge was to bridge the gap between arts and mental health competences, providing methodologies for practitioners to navigate high-stress community contexts. The broader context is the escalating global mental health crisis, emphasizing the role of arts in fostering well-being.
Impact:
Culturally, it empowered arts organizations and practitioners, fostering mental health resilience in vulnerable communities. Socially, it engaged with stakeholders in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Pakistan, and more, expanding the reach of mental health support. The toolkit's dissemination through the YUREKA! Network further contributed to cultural exchange and dialogue on arts, youth, and mental health. The stakeholders benefited directly from enhanced competences and tools to address mental health challenges in diverse cultural contexts.
Funding Allocation: The funding allocation supported the development, printing, and translation of the Mental Health Toolkit, along with workshops and training programs. The budget covered expenses for materials, filming, post-production, and project management, ensuring the successful implementation of the training workshops in Rio de Janeiro and the creation of the WHO Arts and Mental Health Network.