Since 2017, I have been working in the field of Creative Health, developing and delivering workshops, programmes and projects that use arts, culture and creativity to support and improve wellbeing. This evidence of impact for this kind of work has been growing steadily with national and international reports such as the All Party Parliamentary Group Creative Health Review, University College London’s Arts and Population Health Cohort Study and the Department of Media, Culture and Sport’s Culture and Heritage Capital Impact Report.
The research on this topic all points in a single direction; that creativity should be considered a determinant of health. Taking part in creative activities promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, improves resillience and even promotes more productivity in employment. Building on my experience leading the creative programme at a studio for people experiencing mental health issues, I have undertaken research into assessment of creative health skills, presented at conferences on social capital, community development and healthy urban design and developed an integrated systems approach to creative health within neighbourhoods.
I am experiencing in both strategic and delivery-based approaches to generating health benefits through creativity, ranging from workforce wellbeing, to meaningful community co-production, or the alignment of arts education with SEND support. Whatever your area of interest, I can help you to explore the power of creativity to improve health and wellbeing.
You can find out more about my work on the links below and please get in touch to discuss your area of work
Evidencing the Value of Artist-led Mental Health Projects
Presentation on evaluation methods at CHWA international conference 2021
Panel on Knowledge Exchange and Progression at York St John’s
Understanding Emotional Regulation: New Research
Presentation on Collaboration with Heritage in Wellbeing projects
Creating a health-positive space for Primary Care
Lunch & Learn: Creative Health
Creatively Healthy Communities Framework