Creative Health in Leeds Report: Watch ‘In This Space’

We are pleased to share the new ‘In This Space’ video which accompanies the “Creative Health in Leeds” report. This is a comprehensive study commissioned by the Leeds Arts Health and Wellbeing Network (LAHWN) and the Leeds City Council Culture Programmes Team.

We’re so excited to share the new short film, In This Space, which accompanies the Creative Health in Leeds report.

Through the powerful story of Edgar and the warm community at Doodle Chat and Left Bank, the film brings the report’s key messages to life. It captures the magic that happens when creativity, community, and cultural venues come together, creating spaces where people feel safe, welcome, and free to be their authentic selves.

These kinds of spaces exist throughout Leeds. But despite their proven impact, many are under threat.
You can read more about this in the full report here.

Find out more about ‘In This Space’

Understanding and enhancing the health and wellbeing of communities is an ongoing journey, and a vital aspect of this work involves recognising the significant impact of creative activities.

The LAWHN report explores the current landscape of Creative Health in Leeds, highlighting its strengths, opportunities, and challenges. It builds on the legacy of LEEDS2023, aiming to deepen our understanding of what’s needed for sector development and how we can maximise the value of creative health work across our city.

What is Creative Health?

For those new to the concept, Creative Health involves a wide range of arts and cultural activities that boost mental, physical, and social wellbeing. From dance and music to visual arts and storytelling, these initiatives offer unique paths to healing, connection, and personal growth.

Key Insights from the Report:

The “Creative Health in Leeds” report gathered valuable insights from a survey with 70 responses, 8 interviews, and a focus group with 6 freelancers. The findings highlight the vibrant creative health sector in Leeds, emphasising:

• Valuable Community Assets: Cultural venues across Leeds are recognised for their significant contribution as community assets, playing a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
• The Need for Sustainable Funding: The report underscores the importance of long-term, flexible funding to ensure creative health initiatives remain sustainable and responsive to community needs. This includes a call for a more asset-based approach to community development and better integration with Leeds’ wider health and care system.
• Measuring Impact Effectively: The report advocates for a combination of qualitative and quantitative monitoring, alongside creative evaluation methods, to fully capture the profound impact of these health interventions.

Recommendations for a Healthier Leeds:

The report sets out clear recommendations for various partners, all working towards a joined-up, strategic approach to maximise the benefits of creative health in Leeds. These include:

• For Commissioners and Funders: Prioritising the sustainability of cultural venues, adopting flexible funding models, fostering asset-based community development, and embracing robust, evidence-led evaluation methods.
• For Creative Health Practitioners and Organisations: Strengthening partnerships, investing in ongoing professional development, and actively participating in integrated health and care pathways.

The Report!

This report is a vital step in understanding and supporting the creative health ecosystem in Leeds. We encourage you to read the full report to gain a deeper understanding of its findings and recommendations.

Download the full report: Creative Health in Leeds Report
Download a the summary: Creative Health in Leeds Summary

To learn more about the Leeds Arts Health and Wellbeing Network (LAHWN) and how to join, please visit their website: www.lahwn.co.uk.