Subject: Improving wellbeing through arts/creativity

I am putting together a short briefing for the people developing Lambeth's Cultural Strategy. I am looking for positive practice from other Primary Care Trusts, particularly where they have worked with the local authority.

Eg In Walsall the local NHS and council worked together on a Wellbeing Festival held in an art gallery. During the events pharmacists offered health checks and there were stalls offering smoking cessation, mental health, complementary therapies and health trainers. The event was held on 10 October (World Mental Health Day). The aim of the event was to use the arts to engage the public in health promotion messages.

Are you aware of any other work I could cite or recommendations you think I should make as part of a Cultural Strategy. So far I have come up with:

• Carry out Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment of the Cultural Strategy pre development and/or examine how the principles of coproduction might be applied to its development.
• Examine the current Lambeth Expo programme (this is a series of community engagement events led by the local authority) and how it has the potential to be used to deliver further improvements in population wellbeing. Eg.  Nurturing and showcasing local talent
• Shift the resources from funding performances and funding large events to promoting participation and engagement, particularly among groups that are less likely to get involved with arts, creativity and sports.
• NHS and local authority to jointly commission arts interventions with the purpose of improving health and wellbeing
• Workforce development - the role of artists working to deliver interventions eg. in the NHS/local authority workforce and educational settings.
• Investigate how the Cultural Strategy might support the development and evolution of the timebanking model in Lambeth so that it is integrated into public service delivery.
• Look at ways in which the Cultural Strategy can tackle stigma and discrimination and promote positive messages.
• Social prescribing schemes to include arts as well as exercise and books on prescription.

Any thoughts would be welcome.  Please contact Lucy.Smith@lambethpct.nhs.uk