Arts for the Blues for children and young people aged 9-13 years
This study is exploring a new creative therapy called 'Arts for the Blues' for children aged 9 to 13 who are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This therapy uses art, movement, writing, and talking to help young people express their thoughts and feelings in a safe group setting. Many young people need mental health support, and this research aims to see if this creative approach can be successfully offered within NHS children's mental health services. If it works well and is liked by participants, it could pave the way for a larger study and potentially help more young people manage their mental health. The study compares this new therapy with their usual care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many children and young people need help with their mental health, but it's not always easy for them to get the right support at the right time. This study is looking at a new kind of creative therapy, called 'Arts for the Blues,' for 9 to 13-year-olds who are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety.
The 'Arts for the Blues' therapy uses creative activities like drawing, movement, and writing, alongside talking, to help young people explore their thoughts and feelings. It's designed to be a supportive and safe space for them to open up. This particular study wants to find out if this therapy can be successfully offered within NHS children's mental health services and if children and young people find it helpful. The goal is to see if it's a good idea to research this therapy on a bigger scale across the country.
This research is important because it could help improve mental health support for young people. By understanding if creative therapies like 'Arts for the Blues' are useful and enjoyable, we can work towards offering more varied and effective ways to help children and young people with their mental wellbeing.
Key takeaways
- Targets 9-13 year olds with depression/anxiety in NHS mental health services.
- Uses creative activities (art, movement, writing) and talking therapy.
- Aims to see if this therapy can be successfully used in the NHS.
- Participants are randomly assigned to a creative therapy group or usual care.
- Involves questionnaires and group discussions to understand experiences.
- Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and young people aged between 9 and 13 years old who are currently getting help from NHS mental health services. They should be experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.
To take part, children need to be interested in working in a group setting and trying creative activities. They also need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to join in with the group discussions.
However, some children might not be suitable for this study. This includes those who are at risk of harming themselves or others, or who have other complex mental health conditions like severe eating disorders or learning disabilities *as their main problem*. Children who are already having a different type of creative therapy or another group therapy, or who are in another research study, also wouldn't be able to join. Your doctor or therapist can help check if this study is right for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 9 and 13 years old?
- Are you currently getting help from NHS mental health services for depression or anxiety?
- Are you interested in group activities and creative ways to express yourself?
- Can you understand and speak English well enough for group discussions?
- Are you NOT currently having another creative therapy or another group therapy?
- Are you NOT at risk of harming yourself (e.g., strong thoughts or plans for suicide)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you and your main caregiver would first meet with the study team. You'd fill out some questionnaires to help the team understand your current situation. Then, children would be randomly put into one of two groups: one group would receive the 'Arts for the Blues' creative therapy twice a week for six weeks, plus their usual care. The other group would continue with their usual care only. After the six weeks, everyone (children and caregivers) would fill out the questionnaires again, and the children in the 'Arts for the Blues' group would also take part in a group chat to share their experiences. Three months later, everyone would complete the same questionnaires one last time. The study started in October 2025 and will run until autumn 2027.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation TrustApproximatePrescot, England
- Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyManchester, England
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyManchester, England
Common questions
What is 'Arts for the Blues'?
It's a creative therapy that combines talking with activities like drawing, movement, and writing to help young people explore their feelings.
Who is funding this study?
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major UK research funder.
Will I keep getting my usual support?
Yes, all participants will continue to receive their normal mental health support, no matter which group they are in.
How long does each 'Arts for the Blues' session last?
The information provided does not specify the length of each session, but they happen twice a week for 6 weeks.
What if I feel uncomfortable during the therapy?
If you become upset or distressed, the therapists and research team are there to support you and can help you find additional support if needed.
How to find out more
Vicky Karkou
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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