Young people on the Isle of Wight, particularly those from poorer households, face significant challenges affecting their mental health, education and wider development. Following the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, the Isle of Wight faces a youth mental health crisis; 20% of young people have a diagnosable mental health condition, 41% feel terribly alone/isolated, 33% have seen a mental health professional. Lower incomes than the rest of the UK, exclude young people in need from support.

Arts Lab provides a safe, non-judgement space to encourage young people to express themselves, their feelings/emotions through creative arts. Using a variety of mediums, they will collaborate to create solo and joint works around specific themes, which helps to develop reasoning and teamwork skills. Arts Lab focuses on promoting resilience, personal growth and building friendships, particularly for those struggling socially or at school, with poor mental health and wellbeing and on low incomes.