New programme to boost health and back the NHS through creativity in West Yorkshire

A new two-year programme designed to improve health through creativity is set to launch across West Yorkshire this spring, it can be announced. 
 
Speaking at a conference in Bradford today (11 February), West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the programme would be a “win-win” for the region, creating better health outcomes and cutting NHS waiting lists, by ensuring that more health conditions are prevented rather than treated.
 
So-called ‘Creative Health’ measures include activities such as art, writing, music, dancing, gardening and other nature-based projects to support mental and physical health. 
 
Giving people creative spaces to express themselves, connect with others, and gain coping skills that improve mental and physical health over time, can reduce stress and loneliness and help people manage illness and life challenges before problems become more serious, according to research. 
 
Making creative and cultural activities a routine part of prevention and wellbeing support in local communities is expected to benefit thousands of local residents -particularly people experiencing health inequalities, those living with long-term conditions, and communities facing higher levels of deprivation. 

The initiative, backed by £500,000 of funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and coordinated by the National Creative Health Hub at the University of Huddersfield, will bring together partners from the NHS, local authorities, universities, the voluntary sector and cultural organisations. 
 
It will focus on long-term change, including developing skills and workforce capacity, improving referral routes, building a stronger evidence base for interventions, and brokering further investment into Creative Health activities in the region.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“While health inequalities continue to hold too many people back across our region, culture and creativity have the power to improve health and wellbeing, and bring our communities together.
 
“This programme is a win-win for West Yorkshire - it will boost the health of our communities and bolster our frontline health services, by backing the shift from treatment to prevention in the NHS.
 
“We’re investing in this trailblazing programme to help more people benefit from lifechanging creative opportunities in a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
 

Professor Rowan Bailey, Director of the National Creative Health Hub at the University of Huddersfield, said:

“This approach provides regional coordination and shared learning across Creative Health, while ensuring delivery remains responsive to the strengths, needs and lived experiences of each place. 
 
“We are looking forward to working with communities across West Yorkshire to help make Creative Health accessible in local neighbourhoods”.

David McQuillan, a consortium partner and Arts and Health Programme Manager at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The strength of this consortium shows how seriously we take Creative Health in West Yorkshire.

“By bringing culture, communities, health, universities and local authorities together with voices of lived experience, we can build a system that lasts; one that’s meaningful to local people, reduces inequalities and improves wellbeing across the region.”

The programme includes the launch of a regional membership network of organisations and practitioners shaping the future of Creative Health in West Yorkshire.
 
It builds on existing place-based creative health work across West Yorkshire, and recognises the region’s leadership in linking culture, health and communities.
 
For details on how to get involved, and to join the network, contact creativehealthhub@hud.ac.uk.