Research
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"Mapping Creative Health in Norfolk and Suffolk" stands as a model of interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration between the Health and Creative sectors in Norfolk and Suffolk. This initiative emphasises the vital role creativity plays in enhancing wellbeing.
A multi-disciplinary team assembled by Creative Health and commissioned by the Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board spearheaded the project. This team included creatives, (including Claire Thompson, also an MSC, Medical Health Humanities UEA student) health practitioners, academics, (including Prof Sally Hardy from NICHE, UEA), and a series of focus groups comprised of members of the general public.
"creativity is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and systems."
According to the National Centre for Creative Health, creative health encompasses “creative approaches and activities which have benefits for our health and wellbeing.” This concept is founded on the well-supported premise that “creativity is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and systems.”
The research report aims to address several key questions; whilst evaluating the current state of Creative Health offers in Norfolk and Suffolk and determining in which areas there is a need for development and reform.
Firstly, evaluating the current situation, the research identified 163 creative health opportunities in Norfolk and Suffolk, predominantly funded by charities. "Scaling Up Change Minds," one of the case studies featured in the report exemplifies the excellent work already happening in the region. The project is a unique heritage and creative, wellbeing project engaging those living with mental health problems. Participants use historical archives to research and develop creative responses to the lives of asylum patients in the past, developing a deeper understanding of their own experience along the way. However, as is visible in the mapping the report includes, there are notable gaps in rural areas, alongside other vulnerable groups that are not targeted by the available offers, such as individuals with severe mental health issues and individuals facing homelessness. Further, the report highlights that “a high proportion of funding is for short-term projects on an annual basis, which creates ongoing problems for providers.” The evaluation of these projects is not standardised and often informal, which renders future improvement difficult.
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Establishing what good practice should look like in creative health, the report concludes that it should involve inclusivity, well-trained staff, and support and resources that extend beyond the project's lifespan. Further, according to the Creative Health Quality principles, projects should be person-centred, equitable, safe, creative, collaborative, realistic, reflective and sustainable. An example of such good practice that the research highlights is the Zainab Project, a volunteer-run café in the centre of Norwich, which runs creative workshops for asylum seekers and refugees coupled with social and healthcare support.
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In order to facilitate good practice, the workforce needs substantial training, particularly in working with vulnerable individuals and understanding the benefits of creative health. Co-creation approaches and collaboration between creative and health practitioners are essential. An increase in long-term funding would support these initiatives.
"[We want to] build university partnerships to improve practice and build the local evidence base"
To make the case for creative health stronger in the region, the report underlines the importance of demonstrating the benefits . One recommendation is to “build university partnerships to improve practice and build the local evidence base. Creative health delivery needs to link more strategically with universities across Norfolk and Suffolk and specifically the current MA in Medical Health and Humanities at UEA, which presents opportunities for professional development and research.” Additionally, the Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board should consider designating the region as a national creative health zone with specific creative health hubs providing expertise on art forms and health outcomes. There is also “a need for greater coordination of activity so that the impact of this work is optimised.”
Based on these findings, the report makes several recommendations to enhance creative health in the region. In order to increase the offer of creative health activities that target a wider variety of vulnerable groups, collaboration between the creative and health sectors needs to be fostered, which is aided by promoting interdisciplinary research such as this project itself. To see positive effects on creative health extending the length of short-term projects, the report recommends adopting a different approach to funding, prioritising long-term investments. Finally, it is crucial to enhance coordination and communication to maximize the impact of creative health initiatives.
By addressing these points, the project aims to solidify the role of creative health in Norfolk and Suffolk, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes for the community’s wellbeing.