National Centre for Creative Health

The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) is a UK-based registered charity (Charity number 1190515) dedicated to advancing the practice, research, and policy around the integration of creativity and the arts into health and wellbeing. Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in July 2020 and officially launched in March 2021, the NCCH operates with a board of trustees and a small staff team supported by a UK-wide Advisory Group and various special interest groups[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

NCCH aims to promote collaborative approaches that embed creative health into public health strategies and healthcare services. The organisation fosters good practices and supports research that highlights the benefits of creative and cultural activities in improving mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall health outcomes. It also informs policy development and promotes partnerships across health, cultural, and creative sectors to help create conducive environments for creative health to thrive[1][3].

The NCCH’s work is structured around key strands, which include supporting networks of Creative Health Champions across NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, Health and Wellbeing Boards, and Integrated Care Boards. These champions take strategic responsibility for integrating arts and creativity into health policy and practice. It also supports the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Special Interest Group for Creative Health, which inspires GPs advocating for creativity within general practice, and the International Arts in Pharmacy Special Interest Group, which promotes creative thinking within pharmacy practice both in the UK and globally[1][2].

Governance and Leadership

The organisation is governed by a board of trustees with notable leadership such as Professor Martin Marshall CBE, Chair of the NCCH, who has emphasized the centre's achievements in promoting creative health benefits. Additionally, Lord Howarth of Newport serves as Chair, providing further leadership and oversight[1][4].

Funding and Support

The NCCH has received support from several prominent funders including the Oak Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Baring Foundation, Arts Council England, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The centre also collaborates with partners across the health and cultural sectors to ensure the growth and sustainability of creative health initiatives[1].

Impact and Recognition

Since its launch, the NCCH has actively contributed to the growing field of creative health in the UK, responding to calls made in the landmark Creative Health report published in 2017 by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing. The centre plays a central role in placing Creative Health Associates in every NHS region to bridge health and cultural sectors and organize knowledge-sharing events and initiatives. This work complements national efforts to support happier, healthier, and more creative futures through arts and culture, backed by investments from bodies like Arts Council England[1][2][5].

The National Centre for Creative Health represents a pioneering effort to embed creativity at the heart of health and wellbeing in the UK, facilitating innovative, cross-sector collaborations that benefit population health.

[1] https://ncch.org.uk [2] https://ncch.org.uk/who [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5157209 [4] https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/news/general-news/national-centre-creative-health [5] https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/creative-health-review-how-were-supporting-happier-healthier-and-more-creative-future