How a Creative Career can Impact Mental Health

At Artswork we believe in the power of arts and creativity to shape happier and healthier young people. Communications Assistant Sophie Jones share with us how starting a creative career at Artswork, as part of the Government Kickstart scheme, was the best thing she could have ever done for her mental health and career.

At college, taking very academic subjects I wasn’t passionate about left me feeling unmotivated and hopeless; therefore, failing all three. The uncertainty and unknowing of trying to pursue something I couldn’t see myself happy doing in the future made life all seem a bit hopeless. I became unmotivated and struggled with mental health massively, unclear on what path to take in life. During the pandemic I asked for help with led to me deciding to find and complete a Professional Digital Marketing Level 3 Diploma, with the aim of going into a career in marketing or social media. 

I worked with a Job Centre Job Coach to find a role in social media and marketing, also mentioning to them after doing art therapy I’d like something creative. The search went on for a few months in order to find the perfect fit, and eventually we found Artswork! 

I began at Artswork on a six-month placement as part of the Government Kickstart Scheme which was the best thing I could have ever done for my mental health. For the first time in what felt like forever I found something I was passionate about, and I had hope for the future again. Working at Artswork gives me structure, routine, and a purpose, but most importantly it makes me happy!  

Seven months down the line, I’m still here. Three weeks before my placement came to an end, I applied for the Communications Assistant role, I didn’t want to leave. I have a job I love doing and enjoy. I believe working at Artswork, I’ve grown and changed who I am for the better. I live for my job, it’s bettered my mental health and knowing I’m helping empower young people through arts and culture, something that art therapy helped me do, is a great feeling. I live a happy, and purposeful life which was something I couldn’t have even imagined before. 

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For 15 – 25 yrs Health and Wellbeing kickstart Mental Health and Wellbeing young people Young people's blogs Youth Voice