The Healing Power of Art: How Creativity Supports Mental Health

For centuries, people have turned to art as a way to express themselves, explore their emotions, and find a sense of calm. Whether it's painting, drawing, writing, or design, creativity gives us a space to slow down, reflect, and connect with something deeper.

At Tarka Yard's Design & Media department, that same power of creativity is at work every day. Here, supported employees use art and design not only to create beautiful pieces, but also to build confidence, boost their wellbeing, and discover new ways of expressing who they are.

Why Creativity Supports Wellbeing

Art has a unique way of reaching parts of us that words sometimes can't. When we pick up a paintbrush, pencil, or tool, we're given permission to explore feelings, ideas, and experiences in a safe and supportive way. The act of creating, whether it's bold and expressive or quiet and detailed, can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and bring a sense of calm.

Research has shown that engaging in creative activity can improve focus, boost mood, and even help with problem-solving. But beyond the science, creativity simply feels good. It gives people space to step away from daily pressures and to lose themselves in the flow of making something.

Creativity in Action at Tarka Yard

Step into the Design & Media department at Tarka Yard and you'll find an incredible variety of projects taking shape. Every workstation tells a different story of focus, expression, and creativity.

One student is carefully etching the Ravenclaw crest into wood, each line slowly building into a detailed design. Another has shaped and twisted wire into a miniature tree, decorating its branches with bright beads that catch the light. Nearby, a large stone is being transformed with colourful patterns and flourishes, turning a simple object into something unique and meaningful.

These projects are as individual as the people behind them. What ties them together is the atmosphere of encouragement and support. It's a space where people can try new things, express themselves, freely, and take pride in their work.

Building Confidence Through Creativity

Every completed project marks a milestone in confidence. For many, sitting down to create something new can feel daunting at first. But as ideas take shape and progress becomes visible, so does a sense of pride. That moment of looking at a completed piece and thinking "I made this" is powerful.

Creativity also builds resilience. It encourages people to experiment, to try again if something doesn't go as planned, and to celebrate small steps along the way. In the Design & Media department, supported employees are able to develop their patience, problem-solving skills, and self-belief. These are the qualities that carry over into every area of life.

And perhaps most importantly, creativity builds community. Sharing work, encouraging one another, and celebrating achievements together fosters a sense of belonging that strengthens mental health and wellbeing.

The Healing Power of Art

At DES, we see creativity as a pathway to better wellbeing and greater confidence. The work being done in the Design & Media department at Tarka Yard shows just how powerful creative expression can be in supporting mental health, building skills, and bringing people together.

Whether it's carefully painted stone, a colourful beaded tree, or a detailed woodburned design, each piece reflects a journey of expression, growth, and pride.

👉 Want to see more of the incredible creativity happening at Tarka Yard? Follow our page for more stories and snapshots from inside the workshop.