A new report shows how creative activities, such as performing arts and literature, can prevent ill-health and help manage long-term conditions.
The Creative Health Review, from the National Centre for Creative Health and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing, explores how creativity is needed in a modern health and social care system. In turn, creative health could help reduce inequalities and increase life expectancy.
Mental ill health in children and young people is worryingly high, says the review. Additionally, mental health conditions mean more adults than ever are unable to work.
‘We want government to recognise that creative health should be part of the bigger picture,’ said Chair of the National Centre for Creative Health, Lord Howarth. ‘Not just for health and social care, but across a wide range of its responsibilities including education, justice, levelling up and the economy.’
‘Many of the policy opportunities to secure the benefits of creative health are devolved to combined authorities, and this allows Metro Mayors to use their local powers to integrate creative health into their strategies to improve population health. For example, in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire we are seeing admirable partnerships emerging with creative health as key in a whole system approach to improving personal and community wellbeing, resilience, and social connection.’
The full report can be found here.
Community Practitioner also explored the topic of creativity and health in our July/August issue. Read more about our findings here.
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