Newly published report of Creative Health Associates (CHA) programme
Newly published report shares key insights from the Creative Health Associates (CHA) programme
Programme funded by Arts Council England with match-funding from The Baring Foundation. Delivered by the National Centre for Creative Health
Download the Overview Report on the Creative Health Associates Programme>>
The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) has been working to embed creative health approaches across the UK’s health and care systems. A newly published report shares key insights from the Creative Health Associates (CHA) programme which ran from July 2023 to the end of March 2025. It draws on findings from the external evaluation and the final report to Arts Council England, offering a clear picture of how creative health roles are shaping practice, policy, and partnerships.
The role of the Creative Health Associates Programme was to work within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and across Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to identify the opportunities to embed creative health in the wider health and care system. The Programme was delivered by seven Creative Health Associates hosted by ICBs, one in each NHS region in England. They were supported by a Creative Health Programme Manager through peer support and leadership development.
The external evaluation of the CHA programme provides insights into its effectiveness using a mixed method, systems-thinking approach. This included in-depth interviews with the core team, focus groups, a stakeholder survey, and workshops.
“The CHA’s presence has raised awareness about the importance of creative approaches in improving health and wellbeing, influencing both organisational culture and individual mindsets” - Quote from stakeholder evaluation workshop
Findings demonstrate that having Creative Health leads in heath and care systems is a strategic asset in delivering the 10 Year Health Plan for England and its ambitions for a more sustainable, inclusive and person-centred NHS.
“Health and care systems are in a continuous state of flux and the external evaluation of the Associates programme provides evidence of how Creative Health leads can contribute to positive systems innovation viewed through a systems thinking lens. They can support a creative health approach to systems change which embraces uncertainty and fluidity, using creativity and the imagination to envisage more inclusive, person-centred and co-created public services” - NCCH Director, Alex Coulter
Download the full press media release here >>
NCCH is very grateful to the CHA Programme funders, Arts Council England, and to The Baring Foundation for match funding through the Huddles Programme.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:
“This pioneering scheme has shown the power of putting creative health at the heart of our National Health Service. Through their work, the creative health advocates have increased the chance for people to take part in creative and cultural activities, built stronger community connections, and shaped the future of health and care services, helping people across England to lead better lives.”
David Cutler, Director, The Baring Foundation, said: “This programme has been important in demonstrating the value of Creative Health lead roles within health and care systems and progressing our particular interest at The Baring Foundation of creative mental health”
Associates Team and Participating Integrated Care Boards* (ICBs)
*ICBs are statutory bodies within Integrated Care Systems(ICSs)
NCCH is grateful to its seven Associates and the ICBs that hosted them:
- Olivia Dean - East of England CHA hosted by NHS Norfolk & Waveney ICB
- Constance Rosewarne - London CHA hosted by NHS North East London ICB
- Jane Hearst - Midlands hosted by NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB
- Alice Thwaite - North East & Yorkshire CHA hosted by NHS North East & North Cumbria ICB
- Elaine Ryan- McNeill - North West CHA hosted by NHS Lancashire & South Cumbria ICB
- Esther Watts - South East CHA hosted by NHS Sussex ICB
- Penny Calvert - South West CHA hosted by NHS Devon ICB
