Willow* was 16 and experiencing mental health difficulties when her S-CAHMS therapist first referred her to a creative support programme run by her local health board.
Arts Boost, run by Hywel Dda University Health Board with Span Arts, People Speak Up and Small World Theatre, uses creative activity to improve wellbeing, reduce distress and build confidence among children and young people in West Wales, including those known to the local child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
“I was scared at first,” said Willow. “But after the first session it was really nice because everyone there was so kind. We did pottery, drawing, music – even drawing with our non-dominant hand.”
The programme was initially developed in 2022 in response to a post-COVID rise in young people seeking mental health support, and long CAMHS waiting lists. A recent evaluation of the programme found that it is making a difference to the young people involved. All 20 of their personal goals showed progress, and participants say they feel more connected, included, and able to use art as a meaningful way to express themselves.
Three quarters (77 per cent) of those surveyed report a positive change in wellbeing, with all participants reporting they have learned a new skill and intend to continue creative activity. Every young person surveyed said they would recommend Arts Boost to a friend and thought it was worthwhile.
Normally I’d just be in my room all day doing nothing. But when I went to Arts Boost, I had people around me who got me. It made me feel important. I felt understood and seen. Talking to them and realising other people struggle the same way set my mind at ease. It made me think things can get better. It gave me hope.
The six-week, artist-led sessions are delivered twice a year by arts partners in each county. Young people move through a gentle pathway of support, beginning with a trusted adult present, progressing through one-to-one and group sessions before finally linking into community activities. These sessions have included aerial arts, animation, music and mixed media. Young people are offered creative freestyling workshops, which are participant-led art sessions where individuals choose the art form they want to explore. The focus is on freedom, expression, and creativity, shaped by the interests and passions of those taking part.
Katie O’Shea, S-CAMHS Psychological Therapies Lead at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Arts Boost has grown into an important part of what we offer in our specialist child and adolescent mental health service. It provides young people with a safe, creative space to explore their emotions, build confidence, and connect with others.
“We’ve seen first-hand how this programme can spark real change, not just in wellbeing, but in how young people see themselves and their future. We’re excited to see how it continues to evolve and reach even more young people across our communities.”
Participating in Arts Boost, Willow said, has not only reignited her passion for art but also forged connections that have become lasting friendships.
“It kind of felt like a family,” Willow said. “We swapped numbers and socials, and everyone wanted to keep in touch. You meet new people and find a new version of yourself. It’s scary at first, but once you get there you realise it’s the best choice you made for yourself.”
Catryn Ramasut, Director of Arts from the Arts Council of Wales, said: “Along with our partners at the Baring Foundation, we're proud to have supported 'Arts Boost' since its inception through our national Arts & Minds programme. Making a real difference to young people's mental health, Arts Boost exemplifies the aims of Arts & Minds | Celf a'r Meddwl, which is about using the healing power of creative activities within mental health services to increase wellbeing. The success of Arts Boost has inspired other Health Boards to explore how introducing arts activities into their work with young people can be part of the solution to help alleviate mental health problems.”
Arts Boost is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Baring Foundation’s Arts and Minds programme.
For more information on the programme, visit Arts boost - Hywel Dda University Health Board
*Willow is a pseudonym used to protect the anonymity of this young person.