Five ways general practice can support health and wellbeing through Creative Health
Primary care teams across Dorset are already helping people improve their health and wellbeing through social prescribing, community partnerships and creative activities.
The new Dorset Creative Health Strategy builds on this work, recognising the important role general practice plays in connecting people with local support.
Developed by Arts Development Company, NHS Dorset and partners from across health, culture and public health, the strategy aims to make Creative Health a more established part of Dorset's health and care system by 2031.
Creative Health includes activities such as singing, dance, drama, music and visual arts that can support people's physical and mental health and wellbeing.
While Creative Health is a relatively new term, it brings together approaches primary care teams will already be familiar with, including arts and health, community arts and social prescribing.
The strategy encourages stronger partnerships across health, community and cultural sectors, with the aim of making Creative Health a more established part of Dorset's health and care system by 2031.
Download the strategy from the Arts Development Company website here.
Five practical actions for practices, PCNs and primary care teams
Whether your practice is just getting started or is already supporting Creative Health through social prescribing and community partnerships, here are five practical actions to consider:
Sign your practice/ PCN up to be part of the Creative Health Networks and updates.
Make sure staff are aware of what Creative Health is, and know where to find local community support and opportunities, such as Help & Kindness and the CAN Service Finder.
Include clear information about Creative Health and local opportunities to your website.
Encourage interested staff to become Creative Health Champions.
Share examples of what is already working in your practice or PCN. Celebrate what your practice or PCN is already doing in this space, and the impact it is having for patients and communities. We can help you share your good news stories, so email us at dgpa@dorsetgp.nhs.uk for comms support.
Find out more
Read the Dorset Creative Health Strategy and find further information on the Creative Health pages of the Arts Development Company website.
For more information, visit the Creative Health pages on the Arts Development Company website: Creative Health — Arts Development Company