National Centre for Creative Health Announces First Six Successful Systems for Creative Health Leads Programme

The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) is delighted to announce the first six health and care systems selected for its new Creative Health Leads Programme, funded by Arts Council England and The Baring Foundation.

These six systems form the first cohort of what is expected to grow to approximately 25–30 Creative Health Lead roles across England over the next two years, marking a significant step forward in embedding creative health within mainstream health and care systems.

The programme has been designed to strengthen the strategic and operational integration of creative health across prevention, population health, neighbourhood models and clinical pathways. By embedding dedicated leadership within systems, the initiative aims to move creative health from isolated innovation to sustained system change.

The successful systems are:
• Berkshire West
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
• North East London
• South East London
• Walsall Together
• West Yorkshire

They will receive support including structured learning and development, evaluation, and a two-year subsidy towards the role of their Creative Health Lead. Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

“This marks an important step towards further embedding the transformative opportunities creativity brings to our health and care systems. I hope that by having dedicated leads around the country building on this programme, more people, in more places will be able to lead healthier, happier lives.”

Dr Nick Broughton, Chief Executive Officer of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West and Frimley Integrated Care Boards said:

“This funding is a welcome step in helping us build on the strong partnership working already happening across Berkshire West. Bringing creative health into our neighbourhood teams will give people more ways to stay well and connected, particularly those who don’t always find traditional services easy to access. It’s a practical way for us to support communities, ease pressure on services, and make creativity part of everyday health and care.”

Leighton Day, Director of Performance and Outcomes Delivery at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust spoke on behalf of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly:

“We are delighted to receive this funding for a Creative Health Lead, which will help us strengthen neighbourhood health across Cornwall. It’s a reminder that people’s wellbeing is shaped by so much more than traditional healthcare, and that listening to what really matters to them is essential. It’s a chance to unlock creativity and connection in our communities, helping people feel healthier in real,
everyday ways”.

Dr Paul Gilluley, Chief Medical Officer for NHS North East London, said:

“We’re delighted to be one of the first systems chosen to take part in this exciting programme. This will enable us to build on the work we’ve been doing to embed creative health across our communities and develop a long term approach that delivers tangible benefits for our population. By listening to local people, and involving them in this work from the outset, we can ensure that creative health plays a key role in addressing the issues that matter to them most. Our Creative Health Lead will work closely with local communities and partners, helping us connect creative health across north east London in a way that improves people’s wellbeing and tackles health inequalities.”

Andrew Bland, Chief Executive, NHS South East London, said:
“Creative Health is a powerful example of how we can think differently about prevention and personalised care. It’s not just about treating illness. It’s about creating healthier, more connected communities. We’re proud that south east London is leading the way, and we see this as a model for the future of integrated
care.”

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall
Council said:

“We’re pleased that Walsall has been selected as one of six systems to take part in this national programme. It recognises the strong foundations we already have in using creativity to support health, wellbeing and resilient communities. We hope the Creative Health Lead role will help us build on our neighbourhood health approach, strengthen partnerships and ensure more residents can benefit from
the power of creativity in their everyday lives.”

David McQuillan, Creativity & health programme manager, South West Yorkshire
Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:

“This programme represents an important step in moving creative health from inspiring projects to lasting system change. Across West Yorkshire we already see how creativity supports people’s mental health, reduces isolation and helps communities stay connected and resilient. The Creative Health Lead role will help us build on that momentum — bringing together the NHS, local government, cultural organisations and communities to make creativity a normal part of how we support health and wellbeing. Our ambition is simple: that creative opportunities are not seen as an optional extra, but as part of how people live well, recover well and stay well.”

These six systems will work closely with NCCH, partners and communities to embed
creative health priorities into local strategic and operational plans.

This first cohort marks the beginning of a broader national ambition. Over the next two years, NCCH and its partners aim to support approximately 25–30 Creative Health Leads across England. Further opportunities for systems to apply to join the programme will be announced shortly.

Alongside local impact, the programme will generate national learning about how creative health can be commissioned, support neighbourhood health models, and contribute to long-term system transformation.

Find out more here.