CREATIVE:DISCOVERY

“photography has given me a purpose to get away from being stuck at home and to do something creative just for me.”
participant

the project

Delivered in partnership with international law firm, Reed Smith and Mind Tower Hamlets, we designed our multi-arts project creative:discovery to empower adults living with mental ill health and/or emotional issues.

The project brings together participants for collaborative creative activities led by our professional artists supported by Reed Smith volunteers. It provides a safe, relaxed environment to develop existing skills, learn new ones, increase confidence and build social networks free from stigma and discrimination, helping to enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation.

“Coming from the corporate world, being very professional about everything, then to find that you have a creative side to you, and to see that in the form of something you’ve made, and to see the benefit you provide to the project, and the results that come out of that, the volunteers are very proud of that.”
reed smith volunteer

Each year, creative:discovery culminates in a “Red Carpet” event at Reed Smith, where the participants showcase their work and share lunch with Reed Smith staff.

the need

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England. (Mind) Mental Health First Aid found that mental illness is the second-largest source of burden of disease in England and that mental illnesses are in fact more common, long-lasting and impactful than other health conditions.

Arts Council England’s 2017 report on health and wellbeing recognised that ‘the arts can help keep us well, aid our recovery and support longer lives better lived.’ It found that the arts can be used to engage the most marginalised groups of people to take part in collective action and help them achieve their potential.

“I THINK THE ACT OF SPENDING TWO HOURS SHARING LAUGHTER AND CREATIVITY WITH YOUR PEERS, AND BEING ENCOURAGED TO THINK ABOUT YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE WAY, IS A HUGE SELF-ESTEEM BOOSTER.”
CREATE ARTIST

case studies

MEET COLIN: CAN PHOTOGRAPHY IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH?

Over six weeks, Colin and fellow participants explored different photographic styles. Colin told us his story.

MEET COLIN: SIX MONTHS ON

Six months on, we’ve caught up with Colin about how photography helped him cope during the lockdown and how he’s helped others.

artwork gallery

funded by

creative:discovery is a partnership with Reed Smith. Employees support the project, working creatively with the participants and building supportive relationships.