Art scheme to help hundreds with mental illnesses

Hundreds of people living with a severe mental illness (SMI) are to be given access to cultural events, creative activities and artist-led projects as part of a Bradford health programme.

Led by charity Mind's Bradford District and Craven branch, the two-year scheme is designed to tackle local health inequalities through arts, culture and creativity.

The Creative Connection Programme will support 600 patients, following a similar scheme during City of Culture 2025 which supported 360 people living with an SMI.

The scheme will include guided walks, live music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions, outdoor events and artist-led workshops.

Bradford District and Craven Mind director of adult services Heather Butcher said the 2025 scheme "shone a spotlight on the vital link between creativity and good mental health".

"The personal stories shared through this work are powerful, and they will continue to inspire future collaborations that use creative practice to support well-being across our district," she said.

The programme is being funded with a grant from the Baring Foundation and the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, and will receive advice from Bradford City of Culture 2025 legacy organisation, the Bradford Culture Company.

During City of Culture the programme supported patients with tickets, transport, refreshments, personalised assistance and confidence-building support to reduce anxiety around attending large events.

It also gave participating artists and volunteers specialist mental health training.

The programme led to three short films sharing the lived experiences of people with mental health conditions, which were premiered at the National Science and Media Museum on Tuesday.

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