Developing the Creative Communities Framework for Living Well With Serious Mental Illness: Findings From a Realist Evaluation

To answer the research question how, why and in what context do community arts organisations establish a safe and empowering space that allows individuals with serious mental illness to engage with recovery processes. A realist evaluation was conducted between 2021 and 2023. This paper presents findings from primary data collection utilising arts elicitation interviews with 12 participants with serious mental illness at 2 time points. A further four realist interviews were conducted with workers from community organisations. Template analysis was the main analytical tool used to test and refine an initial programme theory, incorporating sub-analyses of visual and longitudinal data. Theory was developed that explains how the interactions between the lived experiences and community interventions creates a safe and empowering space. Six key ingredients were identified including (1) community setting; (2) creative activity; (3) consistent access; (4) choice over engagement; (5) shared lived experiences; (6) compassionate workers; forming the Creative Communities Framework. Creative communities present an alternative context to clinical spaces, to support individuals to live well with serious mental illness.