A Creative Health Communication Framework

This groundbreaking volume offers a theoretical, practical, and evidence-based approach to bridging the gap between service users, providers, and commissioners in order to establish Creative Health as a valued part of healthcare, and a key player in the broader healthcare marketplace.

"Whether you are a researcher, practitioner or student, this book helps to decode the language, practice and power dynamics of the interdisciplinary landscape of creative health, its systems and services. Written in the UK context, with global relevance, each chapter makes a thoughtful contribution to further informing the creative health sector, specific to mental wellbeing. Furthermore, the ‘Creative Health Communication Framework’ is a valuable tool, prioritising a user-centred voice and approach, whilst giving confidence to individuals and collaborators driving forward the creative health movement. An absolute asset!"

- Dr Rachel Marsden , Research Fellow in Creative-Public Health (NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowship), University of Birmingham and Keele University, and Regional Champion (West Midlands) for the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA)

"As CMO of an Integrated Care System (ICS), I value resources that harness the power of Creative Health especially for prevention and early intervention. The framework offered in this book is a vital tool towards that mission, supporting healthcare professionals - both medical and creative - in navigating the complexities of Creative Health commissioning. Elsewhere, chapters help to demystify health and cultural systems, strengthening the synergy needed to advance Creative Health partnerships. It's an excellent resource for anyone committed to enhancing well-being through the arts within our evolving healthcare landscape."

- Ananta Dave , Chief Medical Officer, Black Country Integrated Care Board, Presidential Lead for retention and wellbeing, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Trustee, Doctors in Distress

"With Creative Health rapidly becoming a widely recognised health intervention, Hearst’s work unpicks the importance of using a universally understood language and active voice to address both terminology, and marketability, for those working in the Creative Health field. This book adds significant and equitable weight to understanding the vital practical, and strategic value, arts and culture contributes to health and social care, and population health promotion."

- Amabel Mortimer , Creative Health facilitator and educator, Arts, Health and Wellbeing Strategic Lead/Programme Director, University of Gloucestershire, Associate Editor International Journal of Art Therapy

"Working within governmental public health, I view this book as an essential guide to Creative Health that can broaden the knowledge base of policymakers and public health leaders with clear, market centred language to support the development of governmental priorities and the tools and language needed to justify funding, integrate arts within healthcare strategies and to promote sustainable and populational wide health benefits of the Creative Health field."

- Rhys Boyer , Senior Public Health Officer, Birmingham City Council Public Health

"Whether you are a researcher, practitioner or student, this book helps to decode the language, practice and power dynamics of the interdisciplinary landscape of creative health, its systems and services. Written in the UK context, with global relevance, each chapter makes a thoughtful contribution to further informing the creative health sector, specific to mental wellbeing. Furthermore, the ‘Creative Health Communication Framework’ is a valuable tool, prioritising a user-centred voice and approach, whilst giving confidence to individuals and collaborators driving forward the creative health movement. An absolute asset!"

- Dr Rachel Marsden , Research Fellow in Creative-Public Health (NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowship), University of Birmingham and Keele University, and Regional Champion (West Midlands) for the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA)

"As CMO of an Integrated Care System (ICS), I value resources that harness the power of Creative Health especially for prevention and early intervention. The framework offered in this book is a vital tool towards that mission, supporting healthcare professionals - both medical and creative - in navigating the complexities of Creative Health commissioning. Elsewhere, chapters help to demystify health and cultural systems, strengthening the synergy needed to advance Creative Health partnerships. It's an excellent resource for anyone committed to enhancing well-being through the arts within our evolving healthcare landscape."

- Ananta Dave , Chief Medical Officer, Black Country Integrated Care Board, Presidential Lead for retention and wellbeing, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Trustee, Doctors in Distress

"With Creative Health rapidly becoming a widely recognised health intervention, Hearst’s work unpicks the importance of using a universally understood language and active voice to address both terminology, and marketability, for those working in the Creative Health field. This book adds significant and equitable weight to understanding the vital practical, and strategic value, arts and culture contributes to health and social care, and population health promotion."

- Amabel Mortimer , Creative Health facilitator and educator, Arts, Health and Wellbeing Strategic Lead/Programme Director, University of Gloucestershire, Associate Editor International Journal of Art Therapy

"Working within governmental public health, I view this book as an essential guide to Creative Health that can broaden the knowledge base of policymakers and public health leaders with clear, market centred language to support the development of governmental priorities and the tools and language needed to justify funding, integrate arts within healthcare strategies and to promote sustainable and populational wide health benefits of the Creative Health field."

- Rhys Boyer , Senior Public Health Officer, Birmingham City Council Public Health

Jane Hearst is a doctor of Creative Health and serves as Midlands Creative Health Associate, National Centre for Creative Health, UK.