Balmy Army

In 2023 I worked in collaboration with Tara Brown as Critical friends/researchers for Balmy Army - a new art, activism and mutual care project for young people in Greater Manchester struggling with their mental health. Led by artist and mental health activist the vacuum cleaner, the project ran in partnership with HOME, Manchester International Festival, 42nd Street and Contact Theatre, amongst other organisations.

Tara and I supported reflective practice throughout the project and researched how Balmy Army creates scaffolding to support young people to lead on change in mental health care. We also researched the histories and landscape of youth-led mental health activism.

The project culminated in an exhibition and space for action at HOME in summer 2023 for three months, as part of Manchester International Festival.

Image drawn by Charlie Clark