Young People and Wellbeing Programme Year 2 Evaluation

Summary of Findings

Based on the evaluation of year 2 of the programme, 2023-2024, it was found that:

• Approximately 1,441 participants took part.
• Participation positively impacted on the young people’s mental health and wellbeing, with many young people reporting feelings of safety and respect within the group settings.
• Engaging in creative activities provided young people with stress relief, relaxation, and an outlet for emotional expression.
• Creative activities helped young people manage personal challenges, reduce stress, and increase joy, connection, and self-worth.
• Young people experienced increased confidence and strengthened social bonds through group activities such as drama games, dance, music, and visual arts.
• 92% of young people who completed the online survey agreed ‘being part of the project has helped me improve how I feel about myself’.
• 85% of young people who completed the online survey agreed ‘the project has helped me learn ways to look after my mental health’.
• Projects used creative expression as a tool for cultivating good mental health, providing young people with practical techniques for this.
• 82% of young people who completed the online survey agreed ‘the project has helped me know where to go for help for my mental health’.
• Projects successfully increased arts-based knowledge and skills among young people through their variety of tailored workshops and activities across different art forms.