Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts and helps launch successful careers.
Mental health challenges among young people are at an all-time high. The current state of mental health among young people is not just a concern; it's a crisis. Recent studies reveal that one in six children aged 5-16 are dealing with a probable mental health challenge. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for schools to move beyond their academic mandates and address their students' emotional and social well-being. How can schools rise to this challenge and make a meaningful impact?
The solution to addressing the mental health crisis in schools lies in fostering environments that prioritize holistic growth. Creative arts, with their unique capacity to heal, connect, and empower, emerge as a beacon of hope in this mission. Through painting, music, drama, and writing, students can explore their emotions, build connections, and find safe spaces to navigate sensitive issues. Whether it's forming friendships, expressing themselves, or managing stress, creative arts have the power to transform how schools support mental health.
By embedding creative arts into their strategies, schools are not just addressing current mental health needs. They are equipping students with tools for resilience, empathy, and growth that will serve them not just during their academic years but throughout their lives. This long-term investment in students' well-being is a testament to the power of creative arts in shaping a healthier, more empathetic society.
Why mental health is important
Good mental health is the foundation for success in every aspect of a young person’s life. It shapes how they think, feel, and act at home, in school, and in the wider community. However, statistics reveal a worrying trend of increasing mental health challenges among youth. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are becoming more prevalent, often exacerbated by societal pressures and academic stress.
Neglecting mental health can have serious and far-reaching consequences. When schools fail to address the mental well-being of their students, the impacts can be devastating. These include:
1. Lower academic achievement
Mental health challenges can impair a student’s ability to concentrate and achieve their full academic potential, leading to declining grades and reduced academic engagement.
2. Increased risk of bullying and social isolation
Children and teenagers with mental health issues are more vulnerable to bullying, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to social isolation, impacting their self-esteem and overall well-being.
3. Higher rates of absenteeism and school dropout
Struggling with mental health can make attending school difficult, resulting in increased absenteeism and a higher likelihood of dropping out due to ongoing personal challenges.
4. Long-term impacts on emotional resilience and career prospects
Unaddressed mental health issues during school can affect emotional resilience, making it harder for students to manage stress and maintain healthy relationships, which can hinder their career opportunities and overall life satisfaction.
5.Lower self-confidence and self-worth
Mental health challenges can diminish a student’s self-esteem, making them feel inadequate or incapable, which can have a profound impact on their personal growth and future potential.
6. Increased risk of developing chronic health issues
The stress and emotional distress associated with untreated mental health issues can lead to physical health problems, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, and other chronic conditions.
7. Social and relational difficulties
Struggles with mental health can impair a student’s ability to form meaningful relationships, both at school and in their personal life. This can lead to difficulties in developing a support network and coping with stress outside of the academic environment.
8. Reduced future opportunities
Mental health challenges can limit a student’s ability to pursue higher education, training, or employment opportunities. These challenges may also affect their ability to build a stable and fulfilling career, impacting their economic stability and quality of life in the long term.
Prioritising mental health in schools is essential not only for academic success but for nurturing well-rounded, resilient individuals who can thrive in an increasingly complex world.
The role that schools play in mental health
Schools are uniquely positioned to identify mental health challenges early and provide timely support. Teachers, counsellors, and staff are often the first to notice changes in a student’s behaviour, mood, or performance, which may indicate underlying struggles.
How schools can support mental health
Recognising early warning signs: Schools should train staff to identify behavioural changes, such as withdrawal or mood swings, as these can signal distress. Creating a supportive school culture encourages students to discuss their emotions and seek help early.
Providing safe spaces: Schools should establish environments where students feel understood and supported. This could include designated quiet areas, access to counsellors, and peer support groups. Safe spaces help reduce feelings of isolation and promote emotional well-being.
Normalising mental health discussions: Educators should foster open conversations about mental health, integrating mental health education into the curriculum. By normalising these discussions, schools can empower students to speak openly about their mental health and reduce stigma.
Partnering with parents and community resources: Collaboration with parents and community organizations enhances the impact of mental health initiatives. Schools can connect students and their families with local mental health services, youth groups, or mentorship programs for additional support.
Training educators and staff: Providing ongoing professional development for teachers and staff equips them with the skills to support students effectively. Training in mental health first aid, trauma understanding, and resilience-building helps create a more empathetic school environment.
Promoting peer support: Establishing student-led groups or clubs can foster a sense of community and reduce stigma. These initiatives encourage students to support one another and take an active role in their mental well-being.
Schools are more than places of learning; they are hubs of growth where mental health can be nurtured alongside academic and social skills.
Tools for mental health support across schools and communities
There are various tools available that play a crucial role in supporting mental health. These tools help create a nurturing environment for individuals, whether within schools, communities, or beyond, by addressing diverse needs and promoting overall well-being.
Some of these tools might resonate with you. The list is endless; feel free to add to this list!
School/ Professional counsellors: Professionals trained to address emotional and mental health concerns.
Wellbeing programmes: Mindfulness, yoga, and stress management workshops can be integrated into school life.
Peer support networks: Students helping students can create a sense of belonging and shared understanding.
Parental engagement: Inviting families to participate in mental health initiatives strengthens the support system.
Staff training and professional development: Regularly update and train school staff to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support.
Creative arts programmes: Offering drama, music, painting, and writing as therapeutic outlets for self-expression and connection.
Among these, creative arts stand out for their versatility and profound impact on mental health.
8 ways creative arts serve as a mental health tool
Creative arts provide a unique platform for students to explore emotions, connect with peers, and navigate challenges in ways traditional methods may not.
1. Promoting friendship and connection
One of the greatest benefits of creative arts is their ability to build bridges between students. Collaborative art projects promote teamwork and shared goals, while drama and music encourage empathy by allowing students to step into others’ shoes. These connections are critical in reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.
2. Encouraging self-expression
Creative arts like drama and music provide a safe space for students to discuss sensitive issues, such as body image and eating disorders. This helps them process their emotions and develop a healthier self-concept.
3. Creating safe spaces for sensitive topics
Schools can offer environments where students feel comfortable discussing their relationships with food and body image. Creative arts create a non-judgmental space where students can explore these issues through guided activities.
4. Reducing stress and anxiety
Engaging in creative activities provides a mental break and a way to manage stress during high-pressure times, like Christmas. These activities can be therapeutic, allowing students to channel their anxieties into artistic expression.
5. Building confidence and resilience
Completing an art piece or performing on stage gives students a sense of accomplishment. Overcoming creative challenges teaches perseverance and problem-solving.
6. Addressing seasonal pressures
Big occasions, like Christmas, can be both joyful and overwhelming. For students dealing with family challenges or high expectations, creative arts offer a constructive way to channel emotions. Schools can encourage:
Group projects: Crafting decorations or creating holiday plays to promote togetherness.
Personal reflection: Writing holiday-themed stories or journaling about their feelings.
Mindfulness activities: Using art as a way to focus and stay grounded during the busy season.
By incorporating creative arts into these occasions, students can navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with them.
7. Encouraging reflection and emotional growth
Storytelling, poetry, and journaling encourage students to explore and understand their feelings. This reflection builds emotional intelligence, helping them navigate future challenges.
8. Celebrating individuality and diversity
Creative arts embrace differences, allowing students to explore their unique identities and cultures. This fosters acceptance and helps students feel valued.
Why we must prioritise creative arts
The integration of creative arts into mental health strategies is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. These programmes do more than fill the timetable; they equip students with tools for emotional well-being, resilience, and connection. They offer vital support in managing key issues such as relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety. By providing a safe space for open dialogue and creative expression, these activities help students navigate sensitive topics like managing academic pressures, handling peer relationships, and coping with family dynamics. Furthermore, they promote healthier relationships with food and self-care, addressing broader emotional and psychological needs. Creative arts empower students to explore, express, and understand their feelings, fostering resilience and fostering a sense of belonging, especially during challenging periods like Christmas. These programmes are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to manage life’s pressures both now and in the future.
The time to start is now
Mental health support is about more than managing crises; it’s about creating a foundation for lifelong well-being. Creative arts provide an unparalleled avenue for fostering connection, expression, and resilience. They help students navigate sensitive topics, manage stress, and thrive in a supportive community.
At RYTC, we see firsthand how creative arts transform lives. Through drama, music, and storytelling, young people develop confidence, forge lasting friendships, and find safe spaces to express themselves. As we close the year, let’s celebrate the power of creative arts and their role in shaping brighter futures.
Happy Holidays from all of us at RYTC! May the season bring joy, creativity, and connection to every student, parent, and educator. Together, let’s continue championing the arts as a tool for well-being and growth.
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.
