Wellbeing in everything we do

Since 2018, 20 Stories High have been funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to explore how, as an arts organisation, we place mental health and wellbeing at the heart of the company and what it means for:

The young people we work with

The professional artists and practitioners we co-create with

The audiences that see our work

The team that makes it all happen.

On this page you’ll find information, resources and reflections on our process.

These State of Mind philosophies are now fully embedded in our culture, but as always we continue to learn and grow, and are always keen to hear from other organisations about their own journeys and practice.

20 Stories High also received an OFFIES One Off Special Award for our ‘Commitment to care for all’ as part of the State of Mind project.

Please do get in touch with any responses or feedback!

Are you interested in improving wellbeing at your workplace?

We are so excited to announce our brand new collaborative learning workshops: State of Mind for Leaders!

Are you interested in improving wellbeing at your workplace?

The State of Mind for Leaders sessions are designed to provide a supportive, collaborative space where managers and people responsible for workplace wellbeing can explore, reflect on, and enhance their practices for supporting team mental health.

Whether you work in the arts, corporate, commercial, or public sectors, these workshops will give you the tools and confidence to create lasting, positive changes to workplace wellbeing.

If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your workplace, or hearing about our future ones, please contact amy@20storieshigh.org.uk

State of Mind Chronicles

As part of our dissemination of learning, Anni Raw & Associates have created a series of chronicles – exploring key themes of our learning.

They are published and available to download below.

These Chronicles have been built upon the foundations of Anni’s ‘Storybuilding’ process – observing sessions and reflecting with Associate Maddy Irwin and our Storybuilding Associates, Anita Welsh, Joe Taylor, and Paislie Reid.

 

All our Chronicles are now available!

State of Mind Symposium

On Thursday 3 November 2022, we hosted an event at the Liverpool Everyman to celebrate and discuss State of Mind as part of the national conversation.

The day consisted of

  • presentations
  • panel discussions
  • workshops

The workshops were led by young people, artist wellbeing practitioners, staff, and the artists who make the work.

Resources

Wellbeing Activity (Hand Breathing)

This guided mindfulness activity uses simple hand movements and breathing to help you slow down and find a moment of calm. By tracing your fingers and matching your breath, it offers an easy, accessible way to reset and ground yourself whenever you need it.

Wellbeing Activity (Stress Bucket)

Our Stress Bucket activity helps you explore what might be causing stress and what helps you manage it. Using a simple visual approach, it encourages you to recognise your triggers and identify the things that support your wellbeing.

Wellbeing Activity (Wellbeing Bingo)

Our Wellbeing Bingo is a playful way to explore different ways of looking after yourself. From small everyday actions to moments of joy, it encourages you to notice what supports your wellbeing and share this with others.

Wellbeing Activity (Whole Self MOT)

Our Whole Self MOT is a simple check-in tool to help you reflect on your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It supports you to pause, notice how you’re feeling, and think about small steps you can take to look after yourself.

Wellbeing Activities (Screen reader version)

Our Audio Described Wellbeing Activities provide guided, accessible exercises to support your mental wellbeing. Including breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and reflective activities, they offer practical ways to pause, reset and take care of yourself.