MENTAL HEALTH
REPORT
SUMMARY
THE ROLE OF POETRY ON YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH.
We partnered with Centre for Mental Health to better understand the impact of our poetry-based programmes on young Black people’s mental health. This included:
A review of existing research into the impact of poetry on young people's mental health.
Exploring existing tools for measuring mental health and wellbeing in programme participation (i.e surveys and wellbeing scales).
In-person workshops with young Black people from our community to explore their engagement with existing tools, and discover what frameworks would work well for them.
What young people told us about existing frameworks:
Some frameworks
are overwhelming,
with too many
questions and
complex designs,
they should be
simple and easy
to understand.
Frameworks
should be
engaging and age
appropriate,
making use of
games, word
clouds or physical
movement.
Feedback should
be digital, always
be confidential,
and incentivised
with vouchers or
skill development
for young people.
What we will do:
Building on recommendations from Centre for Mental Health and young people’s feedback,
we will design and implement a bespoke wellbeing evaluation framework that is rooted in
recognising young Black people’s experiences of racism, and the impact of poetry on their
mental health and wellbeing.
Over 12 months, we will introduce our framework to over 200 Black and mixed-Black
young people across our work in education, employment and mental health. We will engage young people in feedback sessions throughout the year, and introduce our final framework in 2027.
REPORT
SUMMARY
THE ROLE OF POETRY ON YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH.
We partnered with Centre for Mental Health to better understand the impact of our poetry-based programmes on young Black people’s mental health. This included:
A review of existing research into the impact of poetry on young people's mental health.
Exploring existing tools for measuring mental health and wellbeing in programme participation (i.e surveys and wellbeing scales).
In-person workshops with young Black people from our community to explore their engagement with existing tools, and discover what frameworks would work well for them.
What young people told us about existing frameworks:
Some frameworks
are overwhelming,
with too many
questions and
complex designs,
they should be
simple and easy
to understand.
Frameworks
should be
engaging and age
appropriate,
making use of
games, word
clouds or physical
movement.
Feedback should
be digital, always
be confidential,
and incentivised
with vouchers or
skill development
for young people.
What we will do:
Building on recommendations from Centre for Mental Health and young people’s feedback,
we will design and implement a bespoke wellbeing evaluation framework that is rooted in
recognising young Black people’s experiences of racism, and the impact of poetry on their
mental health and wellbeing.
Over 12 months, we will introduce our framework to over 200 Black and mixed-Black
young people across our work in education, employment and mental health. We will engage young people in feedback sessions throughout the year, and introduce our
final framework in 2027.
Click on the link below to view the full report.
"Poetic Unity is doing amazing work. I find their events to be accessible, engaging, and deeply rooted in community always. I look forward to seeing their impact grow beyond measure in 2026, and onwards."
PROGRAMMES
WE DELIVER
MANDEM, LET'S
TALK
Mandem, Let’s Talk is a programme designed to support young boys and young men to express themselves through poetry while developing a greater understanding of mental health, wellbeing, and emotional resilience. The programme helps participants build confidence, boost self-esteem, and challenge the stigma often associated with discussing mental health. It also creates a safe space to explore issues that particularly affect young men, including identity, relationships, masculinity, and social pressures, while promoting positive attitudes, gender equality, and anti-misogyny. Through creative expression and open conversation, participants are empowered to better understand themselves, connect with others, and develop healthy ways to navigate life's challenges.
GALDEM, LET'S TALK
Galdem, Let’s Talk is a programme that creates a safe and supportive space for women and girls to explore mental health through poetry, creative expression, and open conversation. The programme provides opportunities to discuss issues that are specific to the female experience, including identity, self-esteem, relationships, safety, and the social pressures that women and girls often face. By bringing participants together, it fosters meaningful connections, builds confidence, and encourages mutual support.
MENTAL HEALTH
MATTERS
Mental Health Matters is a programme that helps young people develop a deeper understanding of mental health while creating a safe and supportive environment for open and honest conversations about wellbeing. Through poetry, participants are given the tools and confidence to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a creative and constructive way. The programme equips young people with poetry as a lifelong wellbeing tool, an accessible, free form of self-expression that can support emotional resilience, reflection and mental health long after the programme has ended. By combining education, creativity, and discussion, Mental Health Matters empowers young people to better understand themselves and care for their mental wellbeing.
To find out more about our programmes, email us at Info@poeticunity.org.uk