Creative Health: A proven partner for early intervention in children’s mental health

Creative Health: A proven partner for early intervention in children’s mental health

As pressure intensifies on children and young people’s mental health services, systems and providers across the UK are seeking sustainable, preventative solutions. Creative health (encompassing arts, cultural and creativity-based approaches) is increasingly recognised as a vital tool in early intervention and mental health promotion.

Extensive research now evidences its impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the role of arts in preventing mental illness and promoting wellbeing across the life course. The influential University College London (UCL) and WHO review examined over 3,000 studies and found strong support for creative activities in improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and building resilience in young people. Evidence from Wellcome Trust studies shows how effective cultural activities and engagement are in improving mental health support and outcomes.

Real-world examples are already in action. In the ICE Heritage programme (a collaboration between Hampshire Cultural Trust and Hampshire CAMHS, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust) young people reported increased confidence, reduced isolation, and stronger emotional wellbeing through cultural engagement. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) such as South Yorkshire and Humber are piloting arts-based programmes in primary care and education settings, showing reductions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) referrals and improved school engagement. Professor Daisy Fancourt, a leading global figure in creative health, is undertaking major research alongside NHS services in the Wellbeing while Waiting study, which is investigating the role of social prescribing on youth mental health outcomes.”

For NHS Trusts, GP federations and ICBs, creative health represents an opportunity to enhance existing pathways and reach young people earlier, before clinical thresholds are crossed.

Explore our Creative Health Toolkit and case studies to see how your organisation or system can act now.

Let’s embed creativity where it belongs: at the heart of prevention

This Blog has been written for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, as NCCH highlights the powerful role creative health can play in supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. With one in six children experiencing a probable mental health disorder, the demand on CAMHS, primary care and across systems continues to grow. Creative health offers an effective, non-clinical approach that can complement existing care pathways, and support prevention in population approaches, across primary care, schools and wider communities.