UK Training Industry Press Releases

expert confirms that artistic expression is helpful for mental health

A research team, led by Jenny Secker, Professor of Mental Health at Anglia Ruskin University and the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, has won an Arts and Health Award from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) in association with Canterbury Christ Church University.

The awards, to mark significant contributions to research and practice in the field of Arts and Health, are in their second year.  Last year the focus was on Music and Health.

The winning research, Mental Health, Social Inclusion and the Arts: Developing the Evidence-base, was a collaborative project involving senior researchers from University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and people with experience of using mental health service. The project was nominated for the award for its ‘original and substantial contribution to the field of arts and mental health.'

Speaking about the news, Professor Jenny Secker said: ‘I'm delighted with the recognition this award brings for our research. By the end of our study I was left in no doubt that arts participation can really benefit people with mental health needs. I hope the RSPH award will help to spread that message to arts and mental health funding bodies.'