Edge Hill University and Shakespeare North Playhouse Unite for Groundbreaking Youth Mental Health Event
Edge Hill University's pioneering mental health initiative, Arts4Us, has partnered with the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse to launch a unique showcase exploring heritage, creativity, and wellbeing. The event, titled 'Shakespeare, Youth and the Secret to Human Happiness', is designed for anyone passionate about creative health, youth wellbeing, and community arts. It will take place on Wednesday, April 1, at the renowned Shakespeare North Playhouse, offering a free, immersive experience.
A Fusion of Performance, Research, and Interactive Dialogue
This distinctive event will blend live performances, academic research, and interactive discussions to tackle the most pressing mental health challenges confronting young people today. Professor Vicky Karkou, Arts4Us project lead and Director of Edge Hill's Research Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. "The contribution of the arts to the mental health of children and young people is substantial, deserving time, commitment, and resources," she stated.
Professor Karkou added, "In this collaborative event organized by Edge Hill University and Shakespeare North, we are affirming that this connection is not only intuitive but also grounded in science and research." The Arts4Us project is the largest of its kind in the UK, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with support from the Jameel Arts and Health Lab. It aims to empower children aged 9 to 13 with mental health challenges by providing access to creative activities that enhance their wellbeing.
Star-Studded Performances and Youth-Led Insights
Christopher Bailey, former lead of the Arts and Health Office at the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-founder of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab, will perform alongside acclaimed creatives Ashleigh Nugent and Ben Crystal. Bailey, who recently joined Edge Hill University as an honorary fellow, noted, "This theme is not a recent invention; it has been explored over time through Shakespearean texts and plays as the co-produced performance will show."
He further highlighted, "Most importantly, we are emphasizing that young people are central in voicing their need to use the arts to express, explore, and address burning issues they face." Students from the Young Arts4Us Panel will join the stage, performing themes inspired by the Shakespearean canon to reveal universal truths about human happiness.
Panel Discussion Featuring Health and Community Leaders
The evening will conclude with a panel discussion hosted by Lisa Allen, CEO of Shakespeare North Playhouse. Participants will include:
- Dr. Justin Varney-Bennet, Regional Director of Public Health for the South West of England.
- Professor Sandeep Ranote, Clinical Director for Mental Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board.
- Members of the Young Arts4Us Panel.
Lisa Allen remarked, "Creativity has the power to connect and inspire hope, making the arts vital for supporting wellbeing, building confidence, and developing skills to navigate life." She added, "Through events like this, we create space for meaningful dialogue between young people and leaders across sectors, working together to improve mental wellbeing. Shakespeare's stories remind us of what it means to be human; full of humour and empathy, they explore relatable experiences that can be a powerful source of happiness."
A Collaborative Effort Driving Social Impact
Edge Hill University and Shakespeare North Playhouse have been in partnership since 2024, aiming to drive social impact and foster place-based change by leveraging the strengths of both organizations. Arts4Us is a massive collaborative effort involving:
- The University of Salford
- The University of Liverpool
- Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust
- Mersey Care, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trusts
- Various schools and social care organizations
This event is free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to book their places promptly to secure a spot in this transformative experience.
