A new three-year initiative in Leicester is using drama and creative practice to address growing concerns around young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The programme, called Shine, has been launched by Curve theatre in partnership with the Randal Foundation and will work with young people in some of the city’s most disadvantaged communities. It aims to explore how structured drama-based activity can help reduce anxiety, improve confidence and support emotional wellbeing among teenagers.
Picture credit: Curve
Shine brings together theatre practitioners, therapists, teachers, academics and young people themselves, reflecting increasing interest in preventative and community-based approaches to mental health support. The project is overseen by a steering group that includes former Secretary of State for Education Baroness Morgan of Cotes, Leicester South MP Shockat Adam, and Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.
Actors Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters are supporting the project as Patrons. The pair, who have spoken publicly about the value of the arts for young people, said engaging with theatre can help develop confidence, communication skills and emotional awareness, particularly for those who may struggle in more traditional settings.
The programme began sessions in October 2025 and currently involves 250 pupils from five Leicester city centre schools: Fullhurst Community College, The Herewoode Academy, Sir Jonathan North College, Moat Community College and The City of Leicester College.
For some participants, the sessions have already helped to ease social anxiety. One pupil taking part said the programme had made them feel more comfortable speaking in front of others, something they previously found difficult.
Researchers at De Montfort University will evaluate the programme over its three-year lifespan, analysing its impact on participants’ mental health and wellbeing. Findings will be used to assess whether drama-based approaches could be more widely adopted by schools, arts organisations and policymakers as part of broader mental health provision for young people.
Picture credit: Curve
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said the programme reflects a belief that creative engagement can play a meaningful role in supporting young people’s emotional health, particularly when support is offered early and tailored to need. They also acknowledged the role of partners including the Randal Foundation, Sunrise Wellbeing, De Montfort University and Arts Council England in enabling the work.
Dr Nik Kotecha, Chairman of the Randal Foundation, said the project responds to increasing mental health challenges faced by young people, especially in communities experiencing disadvantage. He said the programme would examine how collaboration between the arts, education and health sectors could contribute to improved wellbeing and inform future practice.
Shine is delivered by Curve and the Randal Foundation in partnership with Sunrise Wellbeing and De Montfort University, with the results expected to contribute to wider discussion around early intervention and mental health support for young people.
