New research carried out at Leeds Trinity University has highlighted the important role that creative, community-based groups can play in supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing.
The report, based on observations of two men’s creative wellbeing groups delivered by Creative Frame CIC in Armley, Leeds, found that shared creative activities helped foster emotional safety, confidence, social connection and peer support among participants.
The research was undertaken by undergraduate psychology student Ashlee Pearson during a placement with Creative Frame CIC and explored how creative community groups can contribute to positive mental wellbeing for men.
Why this matters
Men continue to experience significant mental health inequalities.
The report highlights figures from the Mental Health Foundation, which show that men account for around three quarters of suicides in the UK, with men aged 40–49 experiencing some of the highest suicide rates. Against this backdrop, accessible community support has an increasingly important role to play.
While much attention is often given to clinical services, this research explores something different: how regular creative activities within a supportive group environment can help improve wellbeing before people reach crisis point.
Creativity creating connection
The research focused on two weekly men’s groups centred around:
- Music rehearsal
- Photography
- Videography
- Collaborative creative projects
Rather than structured therapy sessions, the groups offered relaxed spaces where men could create together, talk naturally and support one another without pressure.
The report suggests that this informal approach helped participants build trust, develop friendships and feel emotionally safe.
Humour played an important role
One of the strongest themes emerging from the research was the role of humour.
Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, humour appeared to help members navigate them.
Researchers observed humour being used to encourage one another, reduce tension, offer reassurance and make it easier for participants to discuss challenges or admit difficulties.
Combined with strong peer relationships, this helped create what the report describes as a psychologically safe environment where members felt comfortable expressing themselves.
More than a hobby
The report found that creative activities offered much more than simply something to do.
Participants described the groups as providing:
- A sense of purpose
- Improved confidence
- Emotional support
- Opportunities to build friendships
- Time away from everyday pressures
- A safe place to talk openly
One participant described the music group as an “escape”, explaining that it allowed them to focus on a single activity and temporarily disconnect from the challenges associated with living with a dissociative disorder.
A relaxed approach matters
Rather than relying on rigid structures, researchers found the groups worked because they created relaxed environments where people could choose how they engaged.
Sessions combined creative activity with informal conversation, while allowing time at the end simply to chat.
The report suggests this flexibility helped members leave sessions feeling supported, particularly if difficult conversations had emerged during the day.
Supporting communities as well as individuals
An important observation was that these groups were not about excluding women, but about recognising the specific mental health needs experienced by many men.
Community performances and creative projects also connected participants with wider audiences, helping strengthen relationships beyond the group itself and contributing to broader community wellbeing.
Investing in community-based support
The report concludes that accessible creative groups can make a meaningful contribution to emotional wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
It also highlights the importance of sustainable funding, noting that community grants and support from councils, charities and other partners are essential if groups like these are to continue supporting local communities.
For organisations working across Leeds’ VCSE sector, the findings provide further evidence that community-based approaches can play an important role in supporting mental health alongside statutory services.
Read the report
Men’s Creative Mental Health Group Report
Research by Ashlee Pearson, Leeds Trinity University, May 2026.
