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Creative Health

Imagination * Connection * Voice

My Creative Health practice is currently focussed around work with adults with mental health struggles & chronic health conditions. I also work with young people in alternative education provision many of whom experience anxiety, low self confidence and the effects of trauma.

The most successful projects and mentorships I’ve worked on ignite creative interest, give a range of creative skills and techniques and open the door to a creative journey that continues beyond the shelf life of the project or intervention.

Creative techniques I typically use include; mindful writing, sensory walks, photo walks, observational drawing, working with lines and layers, collage & mixed media techniques including gel plate printing, mark making, use of text & cut up poetry, digital drawing and mixing, creating books in various formats, using voice notes and audio recording of creative thoughts & conversations.

I enjoy working to a theme over a period of time to allow for creative exploration of different angles and approaches. I like to weave in sources of artistic inspiration and even bring in other artists to share relevant techniques if needed ie how to make a fishing net - not something I have any clues how to make myself!

I am interested in how best to create the conditions that enable creative journeys to flourish ie; by creating a welcoming space free from judgement, by cultivating a sense of safety and trust, by giving access to good quality materials, by being inclusive and recognising that everyone has something valuable to contribute, by giving encouragement and support and building a sense of community and belonging.

I find that to get into my creative space it is necessary for me to clear my mind. To take a break. To go for a walk. To get beyond the incessant mental chatter and distraction into the focussed attention zone. For this reason my work with communities often includes a ‘mindful’ element. Switching into present moment awareness can keep anxiety (worry about the future and all the terrible things that may never happen) at bay. The practice of noticing (one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing) or ‘sensing’ can really bring you back into yourself and in turn, I believe, bring about deeper levels of connection with each other and deeper appreciation for the wider web of life.

I interrogate my practice through a process of reflective journalling and keep it alive by engaging with fellow creatives through networks that have become valuable sources of support, exchange and creative nourishment ie Pier Peers and Furtherfield.

❋ Image from the Dora Brown 'HOME' exhibition at AMPP Studios, Ipswich

This piece of work entitled ‘Not All Homes Are Cookie Cutter Homes’ was submitted to the show by the Phoenix Project. It was the result of a period of work with the group, May - July 2026.

It is an important aspect of the project that members are given opportunities to connect with the local community and that their voices are heard.

You can listen to the audio that was linked to the work here.

  • “It was great to see how far people travelled with you. Lovely work!”

    Ruth Catlow - Director, Furtherfield

  • “Thank you again for your inspirational creativity and facilitation for the last 12 weeks. The programme theme was fantastic and I really loved the way participants worked so uniquely within that theme. Their final work was testament to the overall creative input and inspiration they received from yourself and Ellie. ..”

    Jen Johnson - Project Development Officer, Suffolk Artlink

  • “I really liked the invitation for participants to reflect on their work at the exhibition. This was a lovely idea and one that we will continue with for the next programme..”

    Jen Johnson - Project Development Officer, Suffolk Artlink

I've discovered through experience that there are a handful of key things that really matter to support delivery of the best quality Creative Health sessions. Of course fun is also up there!

  • AKA creating the optimal conditions for creativity - free from judgement, inclusive, …

  • The creative facilitator is aware of particular needs & interests within the group, is well prepared and has the relevant expertise to deliver creative session.

  • Multimodal content accommodates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences.

  • Group members are valued and supported with access to good quality materials & resources so that they can produce the best work possible ie pens that work, nice quality paper.

    * Re-use where possible!

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