Next month marks the launch of a major new creative health resource to support the growth of hospital arts programmes across the UK. While not all projects run smoothly, this one was a joy—thanks to a remarkable collaboration with the NAHN Steering Group. Ahead of the launch, I’m sharing a few reflections on what made this process work so well. From clarity of roles to shared purpose, these insights might be useful for anyone navigating cross-sector partnerships.

For the past five years, I’ve been part of The Copse - a creative writing peer group with three brilliant colleagues I met during my master’s. This peer group has grown into a valuable space for learning, reflection, and mutual support. It has shaped and sustained our practices in ways we never expected. I hope sharing our story encourages others to form their own communities of practice.

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

The Library of Ideas, a co-produced community project by artists Davis & Jones curated for the library at Bristol’s Junction Three community hub by Willis Newson. Photo Max McClure.