RecruitingInterventional

Creative psychotherapy for depression, Arts for the Blues

This study is looking into a new type of therapy for depression called 'Arts for the Blues.' It mixes creative activities like drawing or movement with talking therapy. Depression is common, and existing therapies don't work for everyone, especially those who find it hard to talk about their feelings. This study is a smaller trial to see if a larger study on 'Arts for the Blues' would be practical. We want to understand how it could fit into NHS Talking Therapies. Adults in Greater Manchester with depression can take part. Participants will either receive 'Arts for the Blues' or standard care, and their progress will be checked through questionnaires.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Salford

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2028

Specialty: Mental Health, Primary sub-specialty: Depression; Health Category: Mental health; Disease/Condition: Mood [affective] disorders

What is this study about?

Depression is a very common mental health problem that affects many people in the UK. While there are therapies available through the NHS, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), they don't work for everyone. Some people find it difficult to talk openly in these therapies, or they might prefer a different approach. Because of this, there's a need for more variety in the mental health support offered by the NHS.

This study is exploring a new type of creative therapy called 'Arts for the Blues.' This therapy combines artistic activities, such as drawing, singing, or movement, with talking therapy. The idea is that using creative ways to express yourself might be helpful for those who struggle to put their feelings into words. Previous research and feedback from people who've used mental health services suggest that creative therapies could be a good option.

Since 'Arts for the Blues' is a new approach, this study is a 'feasibility trial.' This means it's a smaller, early-stage study designed to check if a larger study comparing 'Arts for the Blues' to standard care would be possible and practical. We want to understand things like how easy it is to find people to take part, if they complete the therapy, and what their experiences are like. The results of this smaller study will help us plan a bigger study in the future to see if 'Arts for the Blues' effectively reduces depression.

Key takeaways

New therapy for depression combining arts and talking.
Small study checking if a larger study is feasible.
For adults in Greater Manchester with depression.
Participants receive either 'Arts for the Blues' or standard care.
Aims to offer more varied mental health support in the NHS.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over and be registered with a GP in the Greater Manchester area. This includes Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan, or if you're with partner organisations like Six Degrees in Salford or 1 Point in Bolton. You should have experienced depression or be currently having symptoms of depression.

You also need to be interested in group therapy sessions and trying creative ways to explore your feelings. It's important that you can communicate in English. Finally, you should be happy for a computer to decide which type of support you receive, either 'Arts for the Blues' or standard care.

You cannot take part if you are currently having another structured talking therapy like CBT or EMDR, or if you are part of another similar research study. If you are experiencing serious thoughts of harming yourself or others, or have severe issues with alcohol or drug use, you also wouldn't be able to join. Similarly, if you are too unwell in a way that would make it difficult to attend a group, for example, experiencing active psychosis, this study might not be suitable for you at this time. However, if you've had these difficulties in the past but don't have current symptoms, you might still be eligible.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you registered with a GP in Greater Manchester?
Have you experienced depression or its symptoms?
Are you interested in group therapy and creative activities?
Are you able to speak English?
Are you able to be randomly assigned to receive either 'Arts for the Blues' or standard care?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive 'Arts for the Blues' therapy, which involves twelve sessions. The other group will receive the standard care for depression that's usually available through the NHS. The decision of which group you are in is made by chance, like flipping a coin.

Over the course of the study, you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires about your depression symptoms. You'll complete these at the very beginning, after your therapy sessions are finished, and then again six months later. Some participants and therapists will also be asked to share their experiences in an interview. This helps the researchers understand what it's like to take part and attend the therapy. This whole process will help design a bigger study in the future.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in 'Arts for the Blues' might offer some benefits, as previous participants have found it helpful. Even though it's a new approach and its full effectiveness is still being studied, you might find the creative sessions beneficial. Your participation will also be very valuable in helping to improve mental health services for others. It's possible that exploring your feelings through therapy, especially creative therapy, could bring up some upsetting emotions. This is a normal part of therapy. The therapists and research team are there to support you if you feel distressed, and you'll never be pressured to do or say anything you don't want to. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Manchester, England
Six Degrees Social Enterprise
Unverified
Eccles, Greater Manchester, England
1 Point (North West)
Unverified
Bolton, Lancashire, England

Common questions

What is 'Arts for the Blues'?

'Arts for the Blues' is a new type of therapy for depression that combines creative activities like drawing or movement with talking therapy sessions.

Why is this study being done?

This study is a small trial to see if a larger study about 'Arts for the Blues' would be practical. It aims to see if creative therapies could be a good addition to NHS mental health services for depression.

How long will I need to be involved?

The study involves twelve therapy sessions, and you'll complete questionnaires at the start, after therapy, and then again six months later. The study is expected to run from May 2026 to May 2028.

Will I definitely receive 'Arts for the Blues' if I join?

No, you will be randomly assigned to either receive 'Arts for the Blues' or the standard care for depression. It's like a lottery system to ensure fairness.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is being run through NHS Talking Therapies services in Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Bolton, and Wigan, as well as partner organisations like Six Degrees and 1 Point.

How to find out more

Jo Omylinska-Thurston

j.omylinska-thurston1@salford.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.