Using creativity to reduce addictions
The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) welcomes the decision from NHS England working in partnership with integrated care systems (ICS) to develop a new framework for local health and care providers that embraces creative health approaches as part of a holistic treatment plan.
The Rt Hon Lord Howarth of Newport CBE, Chair of the NCCH and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing (APPG AHW), said:
“We are delighted to see creativity being embraced in healthcare. Current research suggests that using creative, non-medical approaches to healthcare challenges, as in the case of inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers and other addiction-causing medicines, like opioids and benzodiazepines, can have significant benefits for individuals, the NHS and society.
“Creative health has an important part to play in supporting personalised care. Practitioners have been applying this approach for years past and there is an increasing evidence base showing measurable and cost-effective benefits from such creative interventions, as part of a holistic and preventative approach.
“Creative activities, such as music, art, gardening and singing, support the management of emotions, reduce stress, improve confidence and self-esteem and contribute to the prevention and management of depression and anxiety.
“The current NCCH Creative Health Review shows growing evidence of the positive impact that creativity can have on individual’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. The funding supporting the roll out of this new framework is testament to the merits of this approach and recognises creativity as an integral part of a person’s treatment plan.”
