City of one: A qualitative study examining the participation of young people in care in a theatre and music initiative

Salmon, Debra; Rickaby, Caroline

Abstract

Young people's engagement with the arts can facilitate skills development, improve mental health and strengthen resilience. This article reports on a qualitative study exploring the experiences and involvement of ten young people in care in the development of a musical play exploring life in the care system. The project was viewed as successful in a number of ways: involving young people who had not previously taken part in drama; developing skills, confidence and resilience, and improving feelings of social connectedness. Extending work on participatory arts approaches, this study identifies factors that influence young people's ability to maintain involvement and the implications for carers and professionals supporting them. © 2012 National Children's Bureau and Blackwell Publishing Limited.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Journal: Children and Society
• Print ISSN: 0951-0605
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-0860
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 30-41
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2012.00444.x
• Keywords: adolescence, children in care, health & well-being, participation, intervention
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/955594
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2012.00444.x