Free Toolkit Shows How Art Can Support Young People’s Mental Wellbeing

Creative Europe project MPAS makes practical artistic resources freely available to artists, educators and youth workers worldwide.

How can art help young people express their emotions, build connections and strengthen their sense of belonging?

The European project MPAS – Art for the Prevention of Mental Health Problems has explored this question by bringing together artistic practices and approaches to mental health prevention.

Co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme, MPAS brings together organisations from Spain, Greece, Italy and Bulgaria. Its main objective is to support the mental wellbeing of vulnerable young adults (18–30) through creativity, emotional expression and social connection.

At the heart of the project is the MPAS Toolkit, a free practical resource for artists, educators, youth workers and professionals working with young people. The Toolkit includes a methodological framework and creative exercises using theatre, movement, music, storytelling and visual arts. Drawing on the Art of Connection, it helps facilitators design inclusive artistic activities exploring identity, belonging and life purpose.

The methodology has been put into practice through international training activities for artists and creative workshops with young people in Greece, Italy and Spain.

The MPAS Toolkit is freely available in English, Spanish, Greek, Italian and Bulgarian.

Download the free Toolkit:
https://mpas-project.eu/mpas-toolkit/

The project also offers a free online training course for artists and professionals interested in applying the methodology.

Discover the project and its resources:
https://mpas-project.eu/

MPAS invites cultural organisations, educators, youth workers and community practitioners worldwide to explore and share these resources, helping more young people experience the benefits of artistic expression and human connection.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.