Join Croydon’s new Creative Health Network

A brand new Creative Health Network for Croydon is being launched to support people and organisations interested in using culture and creativity to support local residents’ health and wellbeing. Open to all, the Network will provide space for the sector to connect, access funding and resources, share information, learn and support each other.

The launch event will take place in Croydon at the Braithwaite Hall, in person and online on Tuesday 28 January from 5.30pm – 7.30pm. It is free to attend for anyone working in the Creative Health sector or artists, health partners and community groups with an interest in creative health.

The network has been established following the appointment of a Creative Health team within Croydon Council last September. During an initial development period spent speaking to colleagues from across the Council, arts, health and voluntary sectors, the team heard from many stakeholders that they wanted a more joined up approach with opportunities to meet, work and share with each other. The new Creative Health Network will provide space and capacity for this to happen, as well as provide a central point for the sector to access training, funding and advocacy support while linking in with wider London and national creative health initiatives. The Network aims to ensure that currently under-served communities are better represented and help make the local arts and health offer more robust and wide-reaching.

“Health is more than the absence of disease,” describes Professor Kevin Fenton. “It’s a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. Creative Health involves creative approaches and activities that prevent ill-health and promote health and wellbeing. It aids the management of long-term conditions, treatments, and recovery across the life course. It can help strengthen social cohesion and reduce health inequalities.”

The Creative Health Network Launch will be a chance for interested parties to find out more and have their say on the direction of the Network. Join us for an evening of networking, creative activities and brainstorming. Light refreshments will be provided at the event.

To attend the Creative Health Network Launch, either online or in person, register here.

The online event will take place via Teams and joining instructions with meeting link will be sent out nearer the time.

If you have any queries, or if you can’t join the launch event but are interested in the network, please email creativehealth@croydon.gov.uk