West of England
Creative Health Network

Launching 27th January 2026



How to get involved Launch Event Information

© creativeshift CIC

Bristol City Council and CreativeShift are launching a new, regional Creative Health Network for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.


If you are a creative health practitioner, or you lead creative engagement or participation activities in your organisation that have a health and wellbeing focus, then this network is for you!


Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bristol City Council and Sirona Care and Health. 

What do we mean by Creative Health?

Creative health refers to the use of creative activities and approaches, such as arts, crafts, literature, gardening and more - to support and improve health and wellbeing. It also includes innovative ways of delivering health and care services, involving co-production, education and workforce development. It can be applied in various settings such as homes, communities, cultural venues and healthcare environments. Creative health plays a role in:

  • Preventing illness
  • Promoting healthy behaviours
  • Managing long-term conditions
  • Supporting treatment and recovery across all stages of life.


Visit National Centre for Creative Health to find out more.

© creativeshift CIC

Our aims

  • Provide peer learning support and networking opportunities.
  • Develop regional and cross sector working relationships.
  • Nurture existing, and grow new Creative Health ecologies across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.


Our core principles

  • Collaboration and Partnership – building strong relationships and sharing knowledge and resources.
  • Creativity and Innovation – championing creative approaches to health and wellbeing and supporting innovation.
  • Inclusion and Accessibility - Ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability, can participate.


How to get involved


Join us to help shape this work.

Regular meetings will be held online and in person from January 2026. 

Sign up to the mailing list for updates

Attend our Launch Event


Tuesday 27th January 2026

4.30pm-6.30pm

@ the M Shed


EVENT NOW SOLD OUT

This is a ticket only event. 

Updated:  5th Jan 2026


Join us as we launch the network. Come share your thoughts and ideas and hear from cultural and sector leads in arts and health as we shape the network together. 


For more information on how to travel to M-Shed, please click here.

Please find a summary of facilities at M Shed here. For a comprehensive access guide to M Shed, visit the AccessAble website. 

If you have any access requirements that you would like us to be aware of, please contact: network.creativeshift@gmail.com




SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT


We’re delighted to confirm the guest speakers joining us at the Launch event on Tuesday 27th January.

Mark Hubbard

VCSE Lead (Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector),
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB


Sarah James

Head of Cultural and Creative Economy Service at the
West of England Combined Authority


David Moss


Locality Director – One Weston and Woodspring
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire


Philip Walker

Head of Culture and Creative Industries for
Bristol City Council



The format of the session will be:


– Short presentations from each speaker

– Panel discussion with Q&A

– Networking with other attendees

– Your opportunity to shape the network




Freelancer Bursary for in person meetings


During 2026 we intend to deliver two network meetings in person, commencing with the launch event in January 2026. 

To support Freelancers to attend in-person meetings a £50 bursary will be available. 

There are a maximum of 10 bursaries available per in-person meeting, and these will be awarded on a first come, no questions asked basis. 

Please contact network.creativeshift@gmail.com to request a bursary.