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Art can help your mental health. Making art boosts our confidence. It helps us feel more engaged and resilient. Being creative has been shown to relieve anxiety, depression and stress.
The young participants of our Express Yourself project have come together to create a zine called ‘Colour in Creativity’. They want to help other people their age to look after their mental health – particularly those struggling during the COVID-19 crisis.
This zine features ideas and instructions to help you stay creative at home. It was devised & designed by Taylor, Alex, Moira, Josiah and Lucy. Throughout Summer 2020, they met online to learn new skills and share some of the fun artistic activities that help them. We hope they help you too!
Two hundred copies of the zine are being risograph printed by local company Dizzy Ink. They will be distributed to young people in Gedling.
Activities to try
To accompany the zine, the group tasked artist Meridith Dickin with making some video to further illustrate their creative self-care activities. Why not have a go and send us a picture!
Making a Sock Puppet Friend
Basic Drawing Skills
About Express Yourself
For over 10 years, our Express Yourself project has been helping 13-17 year olds learn new creative skills and feel good about themselves. The free courses are designed to build your confidence and self-esteem.
This Express Yourself project was funded by Nottinghamshire County Council Local Improvement scheme and Nottinghamshire COVID-19 Community Fund.
Need some support?
Young people who are struggling with their mental health can get advice and support from the following places:
CAMHS (Children Adolescent Mental Health Service)
If you are aged between 12 and 18 years old and have a Nottinghamshire GP, you can self-refer to CAMHS.
Phone: 0115 8542 299
Opening times: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: 9am – midnight, 365 days a year
Young Minds Crisis Messenger
Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Text: YM to 85258
Opening times: 24/7