Major study to explore impact of online arts on mental health

A new research project will invite diverse young people aged 16-24 to co-create an online arts and culture intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and depression.

The £2.6m project, known as ORIGIN (Optimising cultural expeRIences for mental health in underrepresented younG people onlINe) is a joint venture between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and researchers from Oxford University.

Sector partners include the National Videogame Museum, National Museums Liverpool and Cornwall Museums Partnership.

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During the project’s five year time frame, the effectiveness of the ‘online museum’ created by participants will be tested in a trial of nearly 1,500 young people. 

The trial will be aimed at LGBTQ+ and autistic young people, as well as ethnic minorities and those living in deprived areas of the UK or those on NHS waiting lists for mental health report.

Preliminary research, including past project Ways of Being where an online cultural experience was co-designed and tested by young people with mental health issues, has been found to reduce negative feelings when compared with traditional museum websites.

'Significant implications'

Senior Clinical Researcher at Oxford University, Dr Rebecca Syed Sheriff, who led preliminary work and is leading ORIGIN, said online support is often more accessible than traditional mental health services, such as medication and talking therapies.

“This exciting project gives us the chance to work with diverse young people on their own terms to co-design an intervention that young people are engaged by and believe in,” she added.

“This programme could have significant implications for how arts and culture are used to improve the mental health of young people in the future in a way that is engaging and accessible across diverse groups.”

Helen Adams, from Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums, which is partnering on the project, said museums strive to create safe and inclusive spaces both in person and online, but are not always seen as accessible or relevant by many young people.

“We are really excited to be part of this project to challenge our ways of working, and to find out more about the ways in which arts and culture can help enrich and improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people, potentially encouraging lifelong engagement.”