Chronic pain and depression are common in older people, and creative activities may lower the perceived impact and distress related to the symptoms.

This study describes the co-development of a creative arts and crafts protocol for older people with chronic pain and depressive symptoms, and investigates its feasibility and potential effects.

This study had two phases. In phase 1, a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 10), consisting of professionals, patients and researchers, underwent iterative rounds to co-develop the protocol. In phase 2, a pilot study was conducted among 12 older adults (mean age 71.4 years). Mixed methods were used, including questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up, assessing pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms and quality of life; observational notes and focus groups. Descriptive and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to analyse quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.

Qualitative findings supported the programme’s feasibility. Participants reflected that the process was engaging and empowering and brought them a sense of achievement and recognition. The quantitative findings evidenced the programme’s potential effects in reducing depressive symptoms (Z = −2.60, P < 0.01) and improving mental health-related quality of life (Z = −2.67, P < 0.01) at 3-month follow-up.

Our results support the feasibility of a creative arts and crafts programme and provide preliminary evidence of its impact on reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health-related quality of life. Given the promising results, a definitive trial is needed to reveal the effectiveness of creative activities in pain management.

Non-Western literature on the core competencies of mental health peer supporters remains limited. Therefore, we used a three-round Delphi study with peer supporters, service users (i.e. someone using peer support services) and mental health professionals to develop a core competency framework for peer supporters in the Chinese context.

The final framework included 35 core competencies, the conceptual origins of which were local (14.3%), Western (20%) and both local and Western (65.7%). They were grouped into five categories in ascending peer supporter role specificity: (1) self-care and self-development, (2) general work ethics, (3) work with others, (4) work with service users and (5) peer support knowledge.

A culturally valid mental health peer support competency framework can minimise role confusion and refine training and practice guidelines. In a Chinese context, peer supporters were valued as generic support companions, whereas functions highlighted in the West, such as role modelling, were perceived as less critical.