Led by the University of Birmingham
Seventy-five percent of mental health problems occur before the age of 25, however young people are the least likely to receive mental health care. Addressing the needs of young people’s mental health is now a priority for the health professionals and communities, and online interventions can help people who are not receiving care.
With young people as research partners, we will:
- gather views on how online cultural experiences can be improved for those with the greatest need and from marginalised groups;
- design an enriched and engaging online cultural experience;
- consider preferred ways of monitoring mental health by questionnaires and wearable devices;
- evaluate the effects of the intervention on the mental health of young people on NHS waiting lists and those who do not seek help; and
- assess value for money.
Young people will be core members of the research team; they have shaped the research and will collect and interpret information in the research. The overall project advisory board will include young people, teachers, carers, charity workers, social workers, and arts and cultural experts.
Publications
Hayes, D., Wright, J., Chandler, L., Albava de Gago, K., Ng, S., Langley, J., Fancourt, D., Bhui, K., Mooney, R., Syed Sheriff, R. (2026). The role of receptive arts and culture to improve anxiety, depression and psychological distress in young people: a realist review. Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. [DOI]