Anglia Ruskin examines benefits of internet-based mental health promotion

The SUPREME project (Suicide Prevention by Internet and Media Based Mental Health Promotion) responds to the growing problem of suicide in Europe, where annually approximately 13,500 young people aged 15-24 commit suicide, and a further 500,000 attempt suicide.

In the UK more than 600 young people die by suicide each year and three times more young men than young women take their own lives. It is estimated that at least 24,000 people in England and Wales attempt suicide every year, and this number is rising dramatically. Statistics from the YoungMinds charity show that 6.2% of 16-24 year olds have attempted suicide in their lifetime.

The SUPREME project is aimed at young people, most of whom feel comfortable finding information and communicating through the internet using chat rooms and forums.

Professor Tim Waller said: "This is an incredibly important area of research and could make a difference to the lives of thousands of young people across Europe. There is still an enormous stigma attached to mental health issues, but if we are able to improve the way information and advice is shared, then hopefully this stigma can be eroded. We aim to improve mental health promotion in order to both support those young people in distress and help reduce the number of young people suffering from mental health problems in future. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds across the world and the issue becomes even more prevalent during times of economic difficulty, such as at present. Currently there is a real problem with people leaving school and being unable to find work, and the under 24s are disproportionately affected. There is evidence that NEET (not in education, employment or training) youngsters are more prone to suicide."

Anglia Ruskin study shows drawing and painting could help beat depression

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin and the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) have found that drawing and painting can have a positive effect on people's mental well-being.

The results of the study, published in the latest edition of 'Perspectives in Public Health', show that 88% of participants reported an improvement in their levels of motivation and 81% reported gaining confidence after taking part in an art course. The study also found that most felt more positive after taking part (73%) and that their relationships with other people had improved (89%).

Open Arts, which has been running in south Essex since 2008, aims to promote well-being and social inclusion for people with mental health needs, including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. Participants can be referred by a mental health worker or they can self-refer, as the project is advertised publicly as well as through mental health services.

Anglia Ruskin's Dr Kerrie Margrove said: "Mental ill health is a significant public health problem in the UK, with costly consequences in terms of the distress for those who experience mental health problems and their families, as well as considerable financial costs to the NHS and society more generally. This evaluation of Open Arts has provided preliminary evidence that participatory arts groups are likely to have benefits for mental health service users in terms of improved well-being and social inclusion. External funding has now been sought to expand this research, which would help to determine whether Open Arts has benefits for service users over the long term, and whether arts courses can offer value for money for the NHS."