Creative Health
Did you know that engaging in creative and cultural activities, like art, performance, film, and music, has a positive impact on your health and wellbeing?
Simply going to a cultural event or enjoying a creative pastime is now proven to provide health benefits, by boosting your immune system, preventing illness and even managing long term conditions such as heart disease.
It’s called creative health and it’s a great way to increase your mental and physical health for a longer, more fulfilling life!
There are plenty of Creative Health opportunities in Hackney alongside a creative health pilot project ‘The Hoxton Hub’. You can find out about these things - and more - below.
The Hoxton Hub
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The Hoxton Hub
In Hoxton and Shoreditch, over 50 cultural organisations and health services belong to a creative health network called the Hoxton Hub. Led by Hoxton Hall and Hackney Council’s Culture team, the network meets every two months to explore how local cultural activities can contribute to the health and wellbeing of Hoxton and Shoreditch residents.
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The Hub's Journey
Over the past two years, the Hoxton Hub has:
Published a manifesto outlining its goals
Developed a Footways map of creative health places in Hoxton and Shoreditch funded by UCL Creative Health
Held two annual "Hoxton Fun Palaces", free community events showcasing the role of creativity in wellbeing
Presented a talk about creative health at the SXSW conference in 2025
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What's happening with the Hub?
Strengthening its partnerships with local health providers, including the Shoreditch Park & City Primary Care Network, Homerton Healthcare Trust and St Leonard’s Hospital
Delivering pilot programmes of cultural activity with patients from St Leonard’s Hospital
Fundraising to support more Hackney residents to access cultural activities to improve their health and wellbeing
Explore more in Creative Health
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The national context
There is a recognised need for creative health within the UK's health and care systems. Lord Darzi's Independent Investigation of the NHS highlights the need for preventative health services in community settings. This shift requires collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, and community organisations.
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Creative Health in London
London Action on Creative Health (LACH), a collaboration between the GLA, Arts Council England, and London Arts & Health, is working to establish a "Creative Health City" in London. The aim is to improve population health through closer collaboration between healthcare and the cultural sector.
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Contact
If you are interested in learning more the Hoxton Hub, or if your organisation would like to join the network, please contact Lucy McMenemy
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