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Key factors behind our research

Our research is particularly pressing in our current era and for the future due to several key factors:

• Growing Mental Health Challenges: Mental health issues are on the rise globally. The arts have shown promise in promoting well-being and providing therapeutic benefits, making it imperative to explore their potential as part of mental health treatment.
• Social Inequalities: Societal disparities persist, and many healthcare practices are not inclusive or equitable. Arts-based interventions can address these disparities by engaging marginalised communities and promoting social change towards more inclusive models of care.
• Changing Healthcare Landscape: The healthcare landscape is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on holistic and patient-centred care. Arts-based practices offer a holistic approach that can contribute to this shift in healthcare.
• Technological Advancements: Advancements in digital technology have opened up new avenues for creative expression and arts-based therapies, which can be harnessed for improved health and well-being.
• Interdisciplinary Potential: Collaboration across disciplines is crucial for addressing complex societal challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of the research group allows for the exploration of novel ideas and approaches at the intersection of arts and health.
• Evidence-Based Practices: To ensure the effectiveness of arts-based interventions, there is a need to develop a robust evidence base. We contribute by generating empirical data on the impact of arts-based practices on health outcomes.
• Environmental and Cultural Awareness: As society becomes more aware of the interconnectedness of health, culture, environment, and nature, there is a growing interest in practices that integrate these aspects. Arts-based socio-political-eco-culture-nature practices can provide innovative solutions aligned with this awareness.

Our areas of expertise

• Our study on bias in health referral systems is a critical initiative aimed at addressing disparities in access to psychological therapies. By examining and mitigating bias, we seek to promote equal opportunities for individuals in need of these therapies. Our research will contribute to creating a more equitable healthcare system, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for all.
• Our deep investigation in collaboration with SoundWheel has resulted in the development of an exceptionally accessible well-being app that transcends conventional modes. This innovative app promises to revolutionise well-being support, ensuring it reaches a wider and more diverse audience.
• Our commitment to nurturing the research skills of medical students across diverse domains of arts-based practices in healthcare is poised to catalyze new advancements in medical knowledge. By empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals with these interdisciplinary skills, we aim to drive forward transformative developments in the field of medicine.
• Our ongoing research is dedicated to refining and innovating creative team development approaches that surpass traditional models. By fostering team cohesion and enhancing systems functioning, we aim to set new standards for effective collaboration, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in diverse domains.
• We supported the manual development and clinical site provision for the largest Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in arts therapies for heterogeneous groups in psychiatry ever undertaken. This groundbreaking research promises to yield invaluable insights into the effectiveness of arts-based therapies in diverse psychiatric settings, contributing significantly to the field of mental health treatment.
• Our supervision of international PhD students is at the forefront of investigating creative advancements in various critical areas. From exploring Iranian migration to working with parents and refugees, delving into autism and music, addressing chronic pain through social music, to unraveling the neuroscience of art therapy in the context of brain injury, our collective efforts are expanding the boundaries of knowledge and improving outcomes in these vital domains.
• Our production of a diverse range of seminars serves as a platform to delve deep into the philosophies and practices within the realm of arts and health. These seminars facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange, fostering a rich intellectual environment for the advancement of this field.

Application of our research

The research conducted by the Arts, Health, and Social Change Research Group has broad applications across various domains. Some key areas where the research is applied include:

• Healthcare Settings: The findings and methodologies can be applied in healthcare settings to enhance patient care and well-being. Arts-based therapies can complement traditional medical treatments, promoting better mental and emotional health outcomes.
• Education: Research outcomes can be integrated into educational practices to support the well-being and creativity of students. Arts-based approaches can be used to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.
• Community Programs: The research can inform the development of community programs aimed at improving mental health and social inclusion. Arts-based interventions can be used to address social issues and promote community cohesion.
• Mental Health Services: Findings can benefit mental health services by providing evidence-based approaches for treating a wide range of conditions. This includes using arts-based therapies for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Research and Academia: The research contributes to the academic field by expanding the knowledge base in arts and health. It can be applied in the development of curricula, courses, and academic programs related to arts-based practices in healthcare.
• Policy and Advocacy: Research outcomes can inform policy decisions related to healthcare, education, and social services. Advocacy efforts can use this research to promote the integration of arts-based approaches into policy frameworks.
• Commercial Initiatives: Innovative technologies and approaches developed through research may have commercial potential. They can be used to create products and services that support well-being, therapy, and creative expression.
• Global Initiatives: The research may have applications in international contexts, especially in addressing global health challenges and promoting cultural exchange through arts-based practices.