Essex is one of only six areas in England to join the third cohort of the national Creative Health Leads Programme.
The programme is run by the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH).
Essex will receive two years of support to further embed creative health across the county.
Creative health involves using artistic and creative activities to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Activities might include:
- Singing for lung health
- Dancing and movement for mobility and balance
- Art therapy as a way of expressing feelings
- Creative writing to help process emotions or trauma
- Photography to encourage mindfulness
As part of the programme, a dedicated Creative Health Lead role will be established, employed by Essex County Council and working in partnership with NHS and wider system partners.
The role will work across health, care, local government, voluntary and community sectors to strengthen the use of creativity in:
- Supporting prevention
- Improving wellbeing
- Reducing inequalities
- Enhancing population health outcomes.
Over the past three years, the council has invested in research and sector development to better understand the impact of creativity and cultural participation on health and wellbeing.
This has included the publication of the Creative Health in Essex report and the establishment of a countywide Creative Health Network, bringing together partners from across culture, health, social care and the community sector.
Find out more about the Creative Health Leads Programme here.
