Canvas to Change: a pilot study exploring experiences of a creative arts programme supporting youth mental Health

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical developmental period, particularly for young people experiencing mental health challenges. Arts-based interventions have shown promise in supporting mental wellbeing through creative engagement and community connection. This pilot study aimed to explore the experiences of participants in the Canvas to Change programme, a community-based creative arts initiative for young people aged 16–25 in Coventry, UK. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups, interviews, and open-ended surveys, and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Quantitative data were collected using mental wellbeing measures and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. Qualitative analysis (n = 14) revealed four themes: initial engagement and comfort, mental health benefits, creative expression, and social connection. A total of 32 participants provided quantitative data, with 10 completing both baseline and follow-up measures. While statistical power was limited, trends suggested improvements in wellbeing indicators including feeling close to others, optimism about the future, and reduced loneliness. Recruitment challenges were addressed through relationship-building and using flexible, participant-led data collection approaches. Canvas to Change offers a promising, accessible alternative to traditional mental health services for young people. The programme’s holistic, arts-based approach supports emotional resilience, social confidence, and self-awareness. As a pilot study, findings are exploratory and highlight the need for future research with larger samples and validated tools.