Art & Soul

Supporting mental health and wellbeing through art 

With funding from OneRichmond, Art & Soul ran a series of creative workshops in partnership with local organisations specialising in supporting young people’s mental health. 

‘A Bigger Picture’ project included themed workshops at Hampton Court Palace, the Priory Hospital and Kew Gardens, where more than 40 young people from across Richmond had a go at t-shirt-making, puppetry, drawing, painting and willow sculpting. All activities were designed to foster creativity, build confidence and improve social interaction.  

Young people participating in the project said they felt safe and comfortable at the sessions, and many said the activities had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 

At the end of the project, the young people’s artwork was featured in a local exhibition and a short film was made about their involvement to celebrate World Mental Health Day.