Creative health

A group of women standing in a dance formation with their hands up to one side.

Creative health

Find out how arts, culture and creativity can support your health and wellbeing.

Creative health is about the value arts, culture and creativity brings to health and wellbeing. 

You can do this through participating in activities such as art, music, dance, writing, theatre and crafts that support people to feel better and connect with others. Taking part in creative activities can:

  • improve mental and physical health
  • reduce loneliness
  • build confidence
  • help people manage long-term conditions

Creative health supports wellbeing at every stage of life. You can enjoy it alone, as a family or as a community. It can happen at home or in hospitals, community centres, libraries, museums or arts venues.

Find creative health opportunities across the borough

We've grouped local creative health activities into clear categories to help you find what’s right for you. 

A rough sketch of a woman made out of different coloured lines.

Visual arts and arts making

A woman holding a large yellow flower that has been made out of paper.

Craft

Two carnival dancers standing before a marching band.

Dance and movement

A young man taking a photo using a professional camera.

Multi-art form

A troop of young children drumming on large colourful drums.

Music making and group singing

The line up of a pirate crew before a performance.

Theatre and performance

A little boy in an apron helping to roll out some dough with the help of some adults.

Play

Two women reading a book together.

Reading and creative writing

Creative health resources

Are you delivering creative health activities to communities locally? Visit the Greenwich Community Directory to add your activity to the directory. 

You can also explore creative health resources like the Impact Framework and Quality Framework, and other trusted organisations to learn more about how creativity can support health and wellbeing.

National Centre for Creative Health

London Creative Health City

Creative Health (Arts Council England)

Arts & Health Hub

Creative Health Quality Framework

Creative Health Impact Framework

National Arts in Hospitals Network

Creative Health - South East London Integrated Care System (PDF download)

With thanks to Avant Gardening, Eye4Change, GLL, Lucia Colella and Trinity Laban who have contributed images to this page.