Mental Health, Wellbeing and Creativity

The Research Centre for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Creativity delves into the multifaceted nature of mental health, embracing personal, political, philosophical, artistic and social dimensions.

Recognising the complex and often contested landscape of mental health, we acknowledge its significant impact on society, including its particular relevance to our student population. Recent observations highlight a growing need for support, with a notable rise in the demand for counselling services across higher education institutions.

Our approach is rooted in exploration and openness, advocating for a cross-disciplinary dialogue that leverages the arts and social sciences. This enables us to cultivate new perspectives and methodologies aimed at enhancing both individual and collective states of mind, moving beyond traditional definitions and treatments.

Creativity plays a pivotal role in supporting mental health, offering unique avenues for sharing and reframing personal stories, fostering empathy and strengthening resilience.

We support a rich collaborative environment by uniting scholars, creative practitioners, mental health professionals, and individuals with lived experience. Our community draws on the expertise of colleagues in Psychology, English Literature, Creative Writing, Fine Art and other fields, unlocking new pathways to understanding and navigating the complexities of mental distress and healing practices.