A major new two‑year Creative Health programme is set to launch across West Yorkshire this spring, aiming to improve health outcomes through creativity and reduce pressure on NHS services.
The initiative was announced by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who described the programme as a “win‑win” for the region, helping prevent illness earlier and easing long‑term demand on the NHS.
The programme centres on ‘Creative Health’ measures, with activities such as art, writing, music, dance, gardening and nature‑based projects thar are shown to support both mental and physical wellbeing. Research indicates that offering people space to express themselves, connect with others and develop coping strategies can reduce stress and loneliness, keeping health issues from escalating. These benefits are especially important for those living with long‑term health conditions, experiencing deprivation or facing health inequalities.
By integrating creative and cultural activities into everyday prevention and wellbeing support across communities, the programme is expected to help thousands of residents better manage life challenges before they become more serious.
Backed by £500,000 from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the initiative will be coordinated by the National Creative Health Hub at the University of Huddersfield. It brings together a wide partnership of organisations, including the NHS, local authorities, universities, voluntary organisations and cultural bodies.
The programme’s long‑term focus includes:
- Strengthening workforce skills and capacity
- Improving referral pathways to Creative Health services
- Building stronger evidence for the effectiveness of interventions
- Securing further investment for Creative Health projects across the region
A new regional membership network will also be launched, bringing together organisations and practitioners shaping the future of Creative Health across West Yorkshire.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin 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.”
The initiative builds on existing place‑based Creative Health work across West Yorkshire, which has long been recognised as a leader in connecting culture, health and communities. Programmes across the region – from social prescribing to community‑led creative initiatives – have already demonstrated the power of creativity in improving wellbeing and reducing isolation.
Image credit: iStock
