What is culture, health and wellbeing?

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a person in a yellow t-shirt with long black hair and a black beanie sits at a table full of colourful scraps of material
CHWA conference 2023 (c) Michael Aiden photography

Over recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the impact that creative or cultural activity can have on health and wellbeing.

We are currently using the term 'creative health' to encompass a range of creative approaches and activities that have benefits for our health and wellbeing. Activities can include visual and performing arts, crafts, film, literature, cooking and creative activities in nature, such as gardening; approaches may involve creative and innovative ways to approach health and care services, co-production, education and workforce development. Creative health can be applied in homes, communities, cultural institutions and heritage sites, and healthcare settings. Creative health can contribute to the prevention of ill-health, promotion of healthy behaviours, management of long-term conditions, and treatment and recovery across the life course.