How Can Museums Support Young People’s Mental Health Through Creative Projects?

In spring 2023, the Oxford University Museums—the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum—embarked on a pilot project that achieved far more than anyone had anticipated. Designed to support young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, the programme was simple in concept but profound in its impact.

Led by the GLAM (Gardens, Libraries & Museums) Community Engagement Team, social prescribers, and the charity Response, the initiative brought together creativity, connection, and the power of cultural spaces to deliver life-changing outcomes. This project highlighted how museums support young people’s mental health in innovative and accessible ways.

What Made This Project Simple and Flexible?

The project was born out of a conversation between Sarah Levete and Susan Griffiths, both from GLAM’s Community Engagement Team, and social prescribers Monica Reid and Sarah Steele from Response. Initially, the social prescribers had enquired about supported volunteering opportunities, but this evolved into a series of creative group workshops.

For eight weeks, young people participated in two-hour sessions held across the two museums. Each workshop gave them opportunities to handle museum objects, explore the spaces, and engage in creative activities. The final outcome was a personalised calico bag featuring the participants’ artwork, holding everything they had created during the project. However, as the team discovered, the real achievements were far less tangible—and far more significant. This pilot was a powerful demonstration of how museums support young people’s mental health through creativity and connection.

How Did the Project Create a Safe, Supported Space?

One of the project’s core successes was its flexibility. “We planned really hard to keep it simple,” explained Susan Griffiths. “We realised that if the young people came and enjoyed the session, that was good enough for us.”

For many participants, just walking through the museum doors was a huge achievement. Flexibility and understanding were key. Plans had to adapt when it became clear that some parents weren’t ready to leave their children. Instead of forcing the issue, the team used museum objects to break the ice, engaging both parents and young people to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere.

Over time, that sense of safety and trust allowed participants to engage fully in the activities. It also empowered parents to eventually step back, giving their children the independence and space to grow. This environment showcased yet again how museums support young people’s mental health by providing inclusive, adaptable experiences.

What Role Did Social Prescribing Play?

The partnership with Response was pivotal to the project’s success. As Jamie Douglas, a manager at Response, explained: “Using a social prescribing model, we want to reconnect young people with hobbies, interests, and opportunities they may have become disconnected from.”

Unlike traditional clinical approaches, which can feel intimidating or impersonal, social prescribing focuses on connection—to people, places, and activities. This project highlighted the value of cultural social prescribing, a lesser-explored avenue for supporting young people’s mental health.

The museums offered an environment far removed from the medical or school settings these young people often find overwhelming. Instead, the cultural spaces fostered freedom, curiosity, and confidence. As social prescriber Monica Reid shared, “Being in the museum allowed them to show their personalities and be who they are.” The result was clear evidence of how museums support young people’s mental health outside traditional clinical models.

How Did the Project Build Confidence and Connection?

While the creative activities were central to the programme, it was the personal growth and social connections that truly made the difference. For some participants, the project helped them return to school after long periods of absence. For others, it built confidence to find employment or simply engage in conversation with their peers.

Jamie Douglas reflected on the power of these interactions: “I was so happy to see young people talking to each other and to the adults in the room. That’s massive for those who often feel isolated or struggle to form friendships.”

By the end of the programme, participants were exchanging phone numbers and making plans to meet outside of the sessions—a heart-warming outcome no one had expected. This was a powerful reminder of how museums support young people’s mental health by fostering social connections and confidence in safe spaces.

What Impact Did the Project Have on Families?

The project didn’t just benefit the young people; it also provided support for their parents and carers. While the sessions ran, parents were invited to relax in the museum cafe. This small gesture gave them a much-needed respite from their caring responsibilities, and it also created a space for them to connect with one another.

Mark, one of the parents, described the experience as “joyous”: “It was just a joy to have an extra couple of hours each week with my son. The whole experience made a real difference for both of us.”

Why Do Simple Ideas Have Such Deep Impact?

Reflecting on the project, the team agreed that its success lay in its simplicity. By offering a safe space, a flexible structure, and meaningful activities, they achieved outcomes that went far beyond their expectations.

For young people who struggle with anxiety, autism, or other challenges, the project became a gateway to confidence, connection, and joy. As one participant put it: “It was fun and didn’t really cause much stress at all.” The pilot project proved how museums support young people’s mental health in ways that are accessible and deeply impactful.

What’s Next for Cultural Social Prescribing?

The outcomes of this pilot project demonstrate the immense potential of cultural social prescribing for improving young people’s mental health. By using museums as safe, inspiring spaces, organisations like GLAM and Response can deliver life-changing support in ways that traditional models often cannot.

As Jamie Douglas concluded, “This work has shown just how beneficial cultural spaces can be for young people’s health and wellbeing. It’s an approach that deserves to be explored further and offered to more young people at an earlier stage in their journey.”

If your museum or organisation is exploring social prescribing initiatives, how can you help demonstrate that museums support young people’s mental health? Could a small change make a big difference for your community?