Implications for practice and research

• Continued efforts must be made to improve access to cultural events for people with poor mental health and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• More research is needed to explore the complex association between mental well-being, socioeconomic factors and cultural community participation.

Context

In normal circumstances, the UK offers many opportunities for community cultural engagement, such as live music, cinema and street art. Cultural events offer benefits to people’s mental health but are not always accessible for some groups, such as those with disabilities.1 Evidence has shown that people with poor mental health are less likely to engage in social activity and exercise,2 but less is known about their …