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.