© creativeshift CIC

Bristol City Council and CreativeShift are co-delivering 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. 

WEST OF ENGLAND CREATIVE HEALTH NETWORK LAUNCH


January 2026 marked the launch of a new regional network uniting artists, cultural organisations and the VCSE sector to champion Creative Health across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES).

Highlights from the launch:


  • Philip Walker (Bristol City Council) emphasised Bristol’s strong, interdisciplinary creative health ecology. The cultural sector contributes nearly £1bn per year to the local economy, including an estimated £124m in direct NHS savings linked to cultural engagement.
  • Sarah James (West of England Mayoral Combined Authority) highlighted the region as being part of a national network of combined authorities advocating for Creative Health, and how new devolution legislation requires health outcomes to be woven across policy.
  • Mark Hubbard (BNSSG ICB) outlined the VCSE Alliance and Brokerage framework bringing diverse community organisations into strategy and delivery – meeting strong demand for programmes combining creative health, nature‑based work and physical activity.
  • David Moss (One Weston and Woodspring NHS BNSSG) showed how Creative Health is embedded in place‑based, co‑designed work, creating the space statutory services struggle to provide.
  • Group discussion amongst the attendees resulted in actionable feedback to further develop the network and regional Creative Health delivery.


Attendees called for:

1. A more connected regional ecosystem and shared learning

2. Stronger, collective advocacy and visibility in NHS/system strategies

3. Clearer, navigable funding routes

Full Findings PDF

Read the full summary, including illustrations captured at the launch by artist, Jasmine Thompson.

How to get involved


Join us to help shape this work.

Regular meetings will be held online and
in person during 2026. 

Sign up to the mailing list for updates

Next Event


Thursday 14th May

2026

4.00pm-5.30pm

Online (Zoom)

Register your place

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 Healthto 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.