An installation envisioning the future of Youth Mental Health
Jasmyne, Cas, Millie, Aija, Kez, and Darrel from Future Proof excitedly gather outside The Lowry
Young people’s voices aren’t just missing from conversations about mental health – they’re too often dismissed. Refresh Your Perspective is here to change that.
Commissioned by Arts Council England, this special edition of our Refresh strand brought Zest together with the 25 young people of Future Proof – our Youth Advisory Board – to challenge assumptions, amplify unheard experiences, and reimagine the future of youth mental health support.
Through a series of creative workshops, young people from across the country shared their realities – their stories, their experiences with mental health services, and the role creativity and culture have played (and could play) in their well-being.
Their words were transformed into colourful, touring artworks designed to shift perspectives and spark change. These powerful statements debuted at Arts Council England’s Engaging Communities in Arts and Culture Conference at The Lowry on 3rd April 2025, demanding attention, challenging policymakers, and reshaping the national conversation around youth mental health.
From there, the artworks will continue their journey as a lasting advocacy tool for Arts Council England, ensuring young people’s insights don’t just spark dialogue but drive real action.
Refresh Your Perspective puts young voices at the heart of the conversation – shifting mindsets, sparking action, and creating lasting change in youth mental health.
Let’s Refresh!
Credits
PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR / FACILITATOR / CURATION
Adam Perkins
PRODUCER
Adam Pownall
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / FACILITATOR
Toby Ealden
DESIGN
Fabric.
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Aija Sandhu
CURATOR
Cas Potterton
WITH THANKS TO
Future Proof for their openness, honesty, and incredible insights.
