New learning from Balochistan: what can arts-based mental health and psychosocial support offer children affected by conflict and displacement?
Since 2023, the Youth Association for Development (YAD), with support from Peace of Mind Foundation, has been delivering an arts-based MHPSS programme for Afghan refugee and host-community children in Quetta, Pakistan.
Through dedicated Healing Rooms in partner schools, children take part in a structured programme combining art, music, play, storytelling, group reflection and trauma-informed facilitation.
The findings in the evaluation of the programme’s third cohort suggest that arts-based approaches can offer children much more than an enjoyable activity. When delivered in a psychologically safe environment, creative expression can become a practical pathway for emotional expression, regulation, connection and confidence.
In a survey of 135 children, average psychosocial wellbeing scores increased across all five measured domains, including emotional regulation, safety and adaptability, school support, family support, and hope and wellbeing.
Children, caregivers and teachers described how the arts-based activities helped children talking more openly about their feelings, managing anger and anxiety differently, participating more confidently in school, connecting with peers and expressing greater hope for their futures.
