How the Activity Fits with the Curriculum
The Wellbeing Gallery is a creative, reflective activity designed to help young people explore and share how they support their emotional health. Developed through work with African, Caribbean, Asian and dual-heritage young people, the gallery uses a series of blank picture frames as prompts for participants to draw and/or write about the activities, habits and strategies they use to look after their wellbeing.
This activity has been successful in providing a valuable starting point for open, peer-led conversations about mental health, encouraging knowledge sharing and reflection within a supportive group environment.
The resource was co-produced by peer researcher Clara Akingbade and artist Ilaria di Fiore as part of Authoring Our Own Stories, a civic identity research project led by Partnership for Young London that works alongside marginalised young people to explore their experiences, identities and communities. The activity was supported by Sandra Vacciana, National Lead for Authoring Our Own Stories.
How to Deliver the Activity
Introduce the Wellbeing Gallery by explaining that each participant will fill their frames with personal examples of how they support their emotional health. This can include anything from creative hobbies and physical activity to social connections and self-care practices.
Once participants have completed their galleries, invite volunteers to share their work with the group. Use these contributions as a springboard for discussion – exploring different strategies, learning from one another, and recognising both similarities and differences in how young people manage their wellbeing.
Materials Needed
- A printed Wellbeing Gallery template for each participant
- Pens, pencils, and/or art materials
- A suitable table or workspace
- A comfortable, safe environment for discussion
Please ensure you read the accompanying guidance sheet before delivering this activity:
Important Guidance
This activity can prompt personal and potentially sensitive discussions. It is essential to:
- Read the full guidance notes before delivery
- Carry out a risk assessment appropriate to your setting and group
- Ensure appropriate support is available for participants if needed
Adaptations and Accessibility
The Wellbeing Gallery can be adapted for use with specific groups or communities, providing valuable insights into how different demographics experience and manage their mental health.
It can also help practitioners to:
- Identify gaps in provision or access to support
- Better understand what strategies are meaningful and effective for young people
- Inform future programme design and service delivery
- Signpost participants to relevant support services where appropriate
Learning Outcomes
Aligned with the National Youth Work Curriculum, this activity supports young people to:
- Share knowledge and experiences of maintaining health and wellbeing
- Reflect on strategies that support emotional health
- Explore behaviours with both positive and negative impacts (for example, socialising with friends may boost wellbeing, while associated habits may sometimes have less positive effects)
- Develop greater awareness of personal and collective approaches to mental health
Further acknowledgements
- Authoring Our Own Stories has been funded for five years by The National Lottery Community Fund and is led by Partnership for Young London in partnership with Youth Focus North West, Youth Focus South West, and the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Youth Work Unit.
- This resource was inspired by and adapted from an existing wellbeing exercise developed by Mind.
