A ground-breaking 12-month creative initiative is set to launch in Wakefield, bringing together young people from across the district to immerse themselves in history and arts to improve their wellbeing. Yew Tree Youth Theatre, Spark Youth Arts Ambassadors, and Empath Action CIC, in partnership with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Museum, are inviting young people aged 16-30 to delve into the history of mental health treatment and patient experiences at Stanley Royd Hospital. 

The innovative project will offer participants an unprecedented opportunity to work closely with the Mental Health Museum and Empath’s Timekeepers history researchers. Together, they will unlock the stories behind Stanley Royd Hospital, transforming historical narratives into powerful new works of art. These creations—ranging from theatre performances and visual art, to spoken word pieces—will be showcased in moving and illuminating public showcases and performances. 

The initiative is funded by Wakefield Council and Live Well Wakefield, and will unfold in two distinct phases:

Phase one: Funded by Wakefield Council as part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, this phase kicks off with the Spark Youth Arts Ambassadors and their peers. They will embark on an exploratory journey through the Mental Health Museum’s collection, viewing history through the eyes of former patients. They will critically examine the evolution of mental health treatment, reflecting on how far we’ve come and the legacy that remains. The culmination of this phase will be a public showcase in January 2025, offering a platform for these young voices to share their insights.

Phase two: Supported by Live Well Wakefield’s Small Grants, this phase will extend the project’s reach across the District, engaging more young people in a deeper investigation of patient experiences. Under the guidance of Empath Action CIC’s researchers and creative practitioners, participants will receive creative upskilling in research and performance, which will then be presented in an extensive showcase event in July 2025. This phase will also feature immersive object-handling workshops at the Mental Health Museum, allowing participants and audiences alike to connect with the often-overlooked aspects of mental health history

Sarah Osborne, co-creative director of the project, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to connect with their past, to make a statement about their present, and to pursue an ambition of making people care more about mental health.”

Steven Busfield, co-creative director of the project, added: “We feel privileged to be able to artistically uncover the complicated and moving history of Stanley Royd Hospital alongside young people who are passionate about the history of mental health and mental health care. We truly can’t wait to welcome participants to this project.” 

The Mental Health Museum is a free-to-visit, forward looking museum that explores the history of mental health care from the 1800s up to the present day.  A link-charity with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and located at Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield the Museum promotes wellbeing and combats mental health stigma.  The Mental Health Museum works with service users, staff and the wider community to challenge, inspire and develop our understanding of mental health histories.  Museum Curator Jane Stockdale said “We are delighted to be working alongside partners and young people to explore the collection at the Mental Health Museum. We’re really looking forward to learning more about some of our objects and stories together and seeing what exciting new interpretations emerge”.