The arts have long been a cornerstone pillar of our society, but still we are failing the individuals best suited to these careers. Again, it is the young people from dis-advantaged backgrounds who suffer the most.

The question we should be asking is not whether the arts are important, but how do we build a world where people can contribute by being themselves? And more importantly, what happens if we don't?

We often think of wellbeing and contribution as two separate things. 

One belongs to the individual. The other belongs to charities, campaigners or people working in social impact. In reality, the two are deeply connected.

We often think of loneliness as an emotional experience, but its effects extend far beyond how we feel. Research suggests that chronic social isolation has a profound impact on our physical health, increasing our risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke. This isn't simply a social issue. It is a public health concern.