The Voices of Creative Health

Jennifer Leslie
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The podcast explores how creativity can support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging, with a focus on underrepresented communities. It serves as a platform for creative health facilitators, practitioners, participants and individuals from underrepresented communities to share their experiences, approaches, and insights, while also engaging a broader audience of practitioners, educators, funders, and allies who want to learn about diversity, inclusion, and culturally informed creative health practice. In our Resources Corner, we share the latest funding, events, and news from the creative health world—helping you access the opportunities you might not have known existed. The podcast provides a space where people can explore and identify what creative health means to them, helping the field feel accessible rather than alien.

  1. 3d ago

    S2 Episode 13: Connecting the Dots: Social Prescribing, Community and Creative Health with Gay

    Summary In this conversation, Gay Palmer explores the role of social prescribing in healthcare and its connection to Creative Health, highlighting person-centred care, community resources and career pathways. She discusses burnout, engaging underrepresented communities, the value of lived experience and co-producing health solutions. The conversation also explores creative community engagement, funding challenges and the transformative impact of social prescribing on mental well-being and community support. keywords Social Prescribing | Creative Health | Person-Centred Care | Community Support | Mental Well-being | Underrepresented Communities | Co-production Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Social Prescribing and Creative Health 05:07 – The National Academy of Social Prescribing and Career Pathways 08:42 – Person-Centred Care, Access and Social Prescribing for Young People 27:44 – Tackling Burnout, Inequalities and Engaging Underrepresented Communities 36:40 – Lived Experience, Co-Production and Creative Community Engagement 52:44 – The Science, Challenges and Impact of Social Prescribing Connect with Gay   · Instagram: · LinkedIn: Connect with Jen Email: Thevoicesofcreativehealth@outlook.com Instagram: LinkedIn Resources Corner Funding Grant: Love Where You Live (LWYL) in partnership with Wembley Stadium Foundation Link: Love where you live Grant | Brent Council Guidance: Online workshop - Wednesday 4 November 2026 6.30pm to 8pm Please register your interest on Eventbrite Guidance Doc Love Where You Live in partnership with Wembley Stadium Foundation Events: National Centre for Creative Health Event Name: Special Interest Group (SIG) for Creative Health Study Day Link: Special Interest Group (SIG) for Creative Health Study Day Tickets, Friday 27 November  •  10 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite News:  Breast Cancer Now – Train the Trainer Programme Date: learn two ways Self-directed eLearning, which you can complete at your own pace Online sessions on Microsoft Teams, with the following upcoming dates: Tuesday 24 November 2026, 10:00 to 14:30 Thursday 10 December 2026, 10:00 to 14:30 Email for additional information: trainthetrainer@breastcancernow.org Link: The UK’s leading breast cancer charity | Breast Cancer Now Additional Resources  National Academy of Social Prescribing, (NASP)

  2. Oct 13

    S2 Episode 12: REWIND: Planting the Seeds for the Future Creative Health Workforce - With Maria

    Summary In this Rewind episode of The Voices of Creative Health, we return to my conversation with Maria from RSTY – The Creative School of Art, as we revisit the importance of young people, creativity and the future of Creative Health. One of the key themes emerging from the recent Common Ground conference was the importance of planting seeds now to nurture the next generation of the Creative Health workforce. But what does that look like in practice, and how can we make sure young people have opportunities to explore creativity, discover their potential and see themselves as part of this growing field? Maria's conversation reminds us why investing in young people matters. By creating opportunities for creative expression, learning and exploration, we can begin to build pathways that enable young people to connect with creativity, wellbeing and future creative careers. Sometimes, the work we do today won't show its full impact for years to come. But every opportunity, every conversation and every seed planted can help shape what comes next. Because the future of Creative Health starts with the opportunities we create today. Keywords Creative Health, Young People, Creative Education, Future Workforce, Creative Careers, Youth Empowerment, Creative Expression, Health and Wellbeing Access to Creativity, Creative Learning, Youth Pathways, The Voices of Creative Health, RSTY-The Creative School of Art, Innovation Connect with Maria Website: https://www.rtsythecreativeschoolofart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtsy.thecreativeschoolofart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rtsy.thecreativeschoolofart/ Resources Corner Funding Grand Plan Fund www.grandplanfund.co.uk/ Events Org: Barnet Council Event: Light and flight festival Link:  Light + Flight Festival Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite News New NCCH introduces a new  Blog series to  Introduce the Creative Health Leads across England. National Centre for Creative Health Connect with Jen Email: Thevoicesofcreativehealth@outlook.com Instagram: @thevoicesofcreativehealth LinkedIn: Jennifer Leslie

  3. Oct 6

    S2 Episode 11: Inside ARCH: Building Representation in Creative Health Gay Palmer

    Summary In this conversation, Gay Palmer discusses the formation and mission of ARCH, an initiative aimed at enhancing representation in creative health. We explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced in achieving diversity, and the significance of lived experience in shaping creative health practices. Palmer emphasises the need for structural change and the role of allies in fostering an inclusive environment. The conversation also touches on the future goals of Arch and the impact it aims to have on the creative health sector. We explore how creativity can serve as a means of expression and healing, emphasising the need for representation and support for underrepresented artists. The discussion also highlights the significance of play and creativity in personal wellbeing, as well as the potential for policy changes to diversify the future creative health workforce. In this conversation, Gay Palmer shares her insights on navigating spaces as a person of colour, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of building connections and allies. She emphasizes the significance of honouring those who came before and the weight of representation. Keywords Arch, creative health, social prescribing, representation, community engagement, lived experience, diversity, inclusion, health equity, arts in health creative health, community, empowerment, wellbeing, creativity, representation, arts, policy, support, imposter syndrome, building connections, confidence, funding, artists Chapters 00:00 — Meet Gay: A Leader in Creative Health 00:35 — The Importance of Social Prescribing 01:11 — Introducing Arch: Building a Creative Health Movement 05:45 — Representation, Community & Lived Experience 10:20 — What Is Creative Health? 14:51 — Breaking Down Barriers to Creative Health 16:29 — The Future of Arch: Connecting Creatives & Communities 27:02 — Creativity, Play & Personal Wellbeing 30:04 — Finding Your Voice: Confidence, Allies & Belonging 42:06 — Bridging Roles, Communities & Valuing Artists Connect with Gay   · Instagram: · LinkedIn: Connect with Jen Email: Thevoicesofcreativehealth@outlook.com Instagram: LinkedIn Resources Corner Funding Org: Harlow Borough Council Name of the grant: The Public Health Community Grant Fund Amount: up to £5,000 If you are a single applicant or up to £12,000 for multi partner projects Link Events: Org: SASH London Event: The Man Behind the Moustache: Creative Writing for Good Health Date: Thu, Nov 26  Time 11:00 -1pm Link News: St Margrets House – The home for Creative Health – Bethnal Green Link Additional Resources London Arts and Health – Arch

  4. Sep 29

    S2 Episode 10: Sustaining Creative Health Through Local Culture- With Guest Penny

    Summary In this episode, Jen speaks with Penny about the people, relationships and infrastructure that help creative practitioners sustain their work. Drawing on her portfolio career and her work with the Enfield Culture Network and Enfield of Dreams, Penny explores the importance of community, networks, skills, mentoring and creating opportunities for emerging creatives. They discuss why sustainability requires more than individual resilience; it also depends on time, trust, connection and long-term investment. Keywords Enfield Culture Network, creative health, community well-being, arts and culture, emotional well-being, cultural strategy, support for artists, young creatives, community cohesion, mental health creativity, young people, community, Enfield, diversity, inclusion, arts, education, sustainable practices Connect with Penny: Instagram Instagram2 Connect with Jen: Instagram Chapters 00:00 — Enfield Culture Network & Creative Health 08:52 — Connecting Creatives, Culture & Community 18:03 — Supporting Artists & Underrepresented Creatives 33:05 — Young Creatives & Enfield of Dreams 38:59 — Sustaining Creativity & Building Community 56:00 — Defining Creative Health Resources Corner Funding: Inspire Hounslow Funding (Small Grants) Link / Email: info@inspirehounslow.co.uk Events: Breathe Melodies for Dads/ Link News: The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Creative Practitioner Health and Wellbeing Series Link Additional Resources Face Front/ Chicken Shed Theatre Companies Culture Networks Haringey Creates Love Camden Imagine Islington Barnet Arts and Culture Network We Are Lewisham Enfield of Dreams Super Slow Way Edmonton Podcasters Community 1st Event: Wednesday 30th September 5:-6:30@Living Room Library 111 Fore Street N18 2FX

  5. Sep 22

    S.2 Episode 9: Creative Health, Storytelling and Collaboration Behind the Documentary – with Mic

    Summary In this episode of The Voices of Creative Health, I’m joined by Mic D to talk about the making of What Black Men Don’t Say, a documentary exploring prostate cancer and the experiences of Black men. But this conversation goes beyond the film itself. We explore what can happen when different people, skills and areas of knowledge come together from filmmaking and storytelling to lived experience, healthcare professionals and community leadership. Mic shares how the documentary grew from an idea into a collaborative project, the importance of representation and trust, and what happened when different perspectives came together around a shared health issue. Because sometimes, the most powerful work happens when we bring our different voices, experiences and skills to the same table. Chapters 01:03 Prostate Cancer and Black Men 02:37 From Photography to Filmmaking 04:18 The Vision Behind the Film 06:30 Community, Participants and Trust 07:38 What the Documentary Revealed 08:59 Why Representation Matters 10:37 Testing, Misconceptions and Barriers 12:02 The Power of Community Spaces 13:14 Lived Experience and Emotional Impact 14:26 What's Next for the Documentary 16:09 Early Detection and Community Awareness 25:37 Mic D's Legacy and Future Projects Connect with Mic D Facebook Instagram Email: wbmds@hotmail.com Connect with Jen Email: Thevoicesofcreativehealth@outlook.com Instagram: LinkedIn Resources Corner Funding Hackney Giving Grant Link Events Org: British Academy Event Name: Art Club: how creativity keeps us well Date: November 3rd, 2026 Time 3-6pm Link News Culture health and wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) and London Arts and Health LAH Black History Month Callout for Creative Health Practitioners and Social Justice Advocates Link Additional Resources Errol Mckellar Foundation Cancer Black Care Prostate Cancer UK

  6. Sep 15

    S.2 Episode 8: Creative Health in Action: Community, Connection & Dungeons & Dragons with Daniel

    Summary In this episode, Dan shares his journey from participant to practitioner, exploring innovative community-based creative health projects at the Amelia Scott. Discover how creative activities like Dungeons and Dragons can foster wellbeing, inclusivity, and community resilience. Keywords creative health, community spaces, Dungeons and Dragons, wellbeing, inclusive practices, Amelia Scott, mental health, arts in community, creative workshops, social impact Connect with Dan Instagram Chapters 00:00 — From Participant to Practitioner 00:53 — The Amelia Scott: A Space for Creative Health 08:27 — The Role of Community Spaces 12:30 — Dungeons & Dragons as Creative Health 18:14 — The Impact of Role-Playing Games 20:50 — Building Sustainable & Inclusive Communities 23:23 — Lessons from Facilitating Dungeons & Dragons 28:29 — Choice & Evaluating Creative Health 30:20 — Sustaining the Creative Health Workforce 33:23 — What Does Creative Health Mean to You? Resources Funding Greenwich Healthier Communities Fund - Micro Grant Deadline: 14th December 2026 Amount £500 - £5,000 Link: Micro Grants - Groundwork Events Event Name: Art Cure: The science of how the arts transform our health Date: 5th October Link: Art Cure: The science of how the arts transform our health Tickets, Monday 5 October  •  7 PM - 8:30 PM | Eventbrite News NCCH - Creative Health Research Round-Up 2026 Deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday 13th December 2026. National Centre for Creative Health Additional Resources Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale Daniel’s Episode: From Participant to Creative Health Practitioner Creative Health | The Amelia Scott NCCH_RSPH-Creative-Health-Research-Round-Up-2025.pdf National Centre for Creative Health Charlies Angels Dungeons and Dragons for Women at The Amelia Connect with Jen Email: Thevoicesofcreativehealth@outlook.com Instagram: @thevoicesofcreativehealth LinkedIn: Jennifer Leslie

  7. Sep 8

    S.2 Episode 7: Belonging at the Heart of Creative Health – with Dr Jane Hearst - NCCH

    Summary In this episode, I speak with Dr Jane Hearst about sustaining the creative health workforce. We explore the role of the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH), the importance of belonging, diversity and lived experience, and the evolving landscape of creative health roles. Keywords Creative Health, Workforce Sustainability, NCCH, Policy, , Belonging, Diversity, Chapters 00:00 Sustaining Creative Health 02:57 Jane Hearst & NCCH 08:57 People, Belonging & Inclusion 24:02 Lived Experience & Community 30:06 Building a Sustainable Workforce 49:30 Systems, Funding & The Future Connect with Jane LinkedIn Instagram YouTube NCCH LinkedIn (NCCH) YouTube (NCCH) Bluesky (NCCH) Resources Corner Funding Org: Laughology Link: Happiness Fund | Laughology Events Org: Southwark Culture Health & Wellbeing Partnership (SCHWeP) Link: SCHWeP September network event Tickets, Tuesday, September 29  •  9:30 AM - 1 PM | Eventbrite News Janes book Creative Health in Systems: The People, Priorities, and Challenges Sha Discount code: 26SME3  Additional Resources Young Leaders for Arts and Health National Centre for Creative Health Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance LENs - Lived Experience Network Creating Mental wellbeing Podcast The Creative Medicine Podcast Creative Health Stories with Laura Bailey Anti Racism in Creative Health Jen Instagram LinkedIn

  8. Sep 1

    S.2 Episode 6: Who Holds the Practitioner in Creative Health? – with Jane Willis

    Summary In this conversation, we speak with Jane Willis and explore the intersection of creativity and health, discussing Jane's personal journey in creative health, the importance of supporting practitioners, and the emotional labour involved in creative work. Jane emphasises the need for safe spaces, community support, and the role of mentoring and coaching in fostering creativity and well-being. Keywords Creative Health, Emotional Wellbeing, Mentoring, Coaching, Community Support, Reflective Practice, Emotional Labour, Safe Spaces, Creative Outlets, Personal Journey supervision, reflective practice Connect with Jane Willis Instagram: Jane_willis_bristolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-willis/A Place To Write (Jane’s weekly co-writing sessions) https://www.janewillis.co.uk/reflective-co-writingCoaching with Jane Willis  https://www.janewillis.co.uk/finding-your-wayResources Corner Fund: Haringey Unearthed Link: Haringey Unearthed | Haringey London Borough Culture 2027 Events Name of Event: Creative Industries Festival 2026 Link: Creative Industries Festival 2026 - General Admission Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite Name of Event: ARCH Webinar: Cultural Contagion - Time, Being and Ill-being Link: ARCH Webinar: Cultural Contagion - Time, Being and Ill-being Tickets, Wednesday, September 9  •  1 PM - 2 PM GMT+1 | Eventbrite  News Creative Health Inclusive Wandsworth  Community  Network (CHIC) Link to membership: CHIC (Creative Health Inclusive Community) Network- membership sign up Additional information : Launch Event: Link: Creative Health Inclusive Community Wandsworth Network - St Georges Hospital Charity Additional Resources Training | CHWA Creative Health Quality Framework Connect with Jen     Instagram: @thevoicesofcreativehealth LinkedIn: Jennifer Leslie

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About

The podcast explores how creativity can support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging, with a focus on underrepresented communities. It serves as a platform for creative health facilitators, practitioners, participants and individuals from underrepresented communities to share their experiences, approaches, and insights, while also engaging a broader audience of practitioners, educators, funders, and allies who want to learn about diversity, inclusion, and culturally informed creative health practice. In our Resources Corner, we share the latest funding, events, and news from the creative health world—helping you access the opportunities you might not have known existed. The podcast provides a space where people can explore and identify what creative health means to them, helping the field feel accessible rather than alien.

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