Culture has an important role to play in our recovery from the pandemic

Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care on culture’s role in our recovery from the pandemic

Kevin Stewart sits in a suit and glasses, smiling at the camera - he is in a room with a gold frame behind him in the background and a lamp casting a warm glow into the room

Over the last two years, the pandemic has been tough on everyone but in particular it has had a profound effect on many people’s mental and physical wellbeing. As we start to ease restrictions, culture has an important role to play in our recovery from the pandemic.

Some people believe that anything to do with culture or creativity is not for them. But there is something for everyone. Culture covers a wide spectrum of activities and simple things like listening to music, playing an instrument or getting lost in a good book can be useful coping mechanisms to give a bit of space and distance from stressful situations.

Then there is the pleasure we get from taking part in these activities ourselves.

Signing up for craft classes, learning an instrument or a language, or finding a sport or exercise you enjoy can be extremely good for our well-being.

These types of activities can help to reduce stress and anxiety by giving us a sense of achievement, making us feel more positive about ourselves and encouraging us to relax.

Opportunities to be with others can also help people who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

Credit: Christian Gamauf / Fèis Rois

Children at a music class in school uniform, with a teacher standing at the front with her arms out - there is an array of instruments in the room

Credit: Christian Gamauf / Fèis Rois

We want to help communities thrive and that is why we recently announced a £15 million Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. This fund for adults supports community organisations to bring people together to improve their wellbeing and reduce isolation. Many of the bids for the fund cover creative activities such as art and music.

The last two years has been tough on children too. They have not been able to see their friends as freely as they did before COVID-19 became part of our lives and home schooling has meant they have missed out on vital interactions with their peers.

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, which is an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role the arts can play in improving the mental and physical health of children and young people, enhancing their confidence and encouraging them to think creatively.

Research has highlighted the importance of early intervention and prevention in supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing. This is why we have provided funding to a range of organisations to create a suite of online resources, information and advice to support their emotional health and wellbeing  of children and young people. This includes an investment of £160k in Young Scot to build and promote their Aye Feel online hub.

We have also given local authorities £15 million in additional funding to deliver locally based mental health and wellbeing support for 5-24 year olds in their communities.

A group of kids in a gymnasium with their hands up standing in a circle

Credit: Christian Gamauf / Fèis Rois

Children outside in the sun in front of a big building - they are walking on the grass and one stands in front of them turning round to the rest of the group

Credit: Christian Gamauf / Fèis Rois

Our Creative Voice demonstrates the impact culture can have on our health, economy and communities.

It also chimes with our 2022 Scotland’s Year of Stories promotes the sharing of stories as a way to better understand each other.

Whether its stories or other art forms, culture is good for our well-being and for keeping us connected to our communities.

Learn more about the impact of art and creativity on health and wellbeing.