“At the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH), we define creative health as creative approaches and activities that benefit health and wellbeing. These activities include visual and performing arts, crafts, film, literature, cooking and creative engagement in nature, such as gardening. Creative health also encompasses innovative ways of designing and delivering health and care services, including co-production, education and workforce development. It can take place in homes, communities, cultural and heritage settings, as well as healthcare environments, contributing to the prevention of ill health, the promotion of healthy behaviours, the management of long-term conditions, and support for treatment and recovery across the life course.”

“To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, this blog explores how creative health can play a role in key areas of women’s health, from maternity and early years, to inclusion, mental wellbeing and wider health inequalities, highlighting the value of creative approaches in supporting women.”

Creative Health: Maternity & Early Years

“Maternity and early years are identified as a key clinical priority within the NHS Long Term Plan, particularly in light of the stark disparities in outcomes for pregnant women highlighted by the Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE) reports.”

Read more at https://ncch.org.uk/blog/creativity-for-womens-health

Established in 2021 Arts, Culture, Health & Wellbeing, Scotland (ACHWS) has developed into an active Scotland-wide network providing information and support for anyone working across arts and culture, health and wellbeing. It is a collective voice for arts and health in Scotland working with the Scottish Government, UK Government, colleagues across the four nations and internationally, to share learning and understanding.