Run in partnership with SoundSense, the Arts in Health Forum met twice in 2006/07. 

In June the topic was “Exploring the role of the arts in mental health” and in November the Forum provided a “Soundbeam exploration and discovery day”.

Artlink is currently planning a Forum for Spring 2009 with the theme of “Learning Disabilities and the Arts” and in Autumn 2009 with a theme of “Creative Activities and Dementia”.

Apart from disseminating good practice in the Arts in Health field, the fora offer valuable networking opportunities for a wide range of health care professionals – artists, carers, managers and decision makers.

Details of these planned Fora will be posted on this page as they emerge. 

In the meantime, if you would like to register an interest in either topic or have a topic you would like to see us address, please e-mail enquiries@suffolkartlink.org.uk

Key Findings from the Dept. of Health Report of the Review of Arts in Health:

• arts and health are, and should be firmly recognised as being, integral to health, healthcare provision and healthcare environments, including supporting staff

• Arts and health initiatives are delivering real and measurable benefits across a wide range of priority areas for health, and can enable the Department and NHS to contribute to key wider Government initiatives

• there is a wealth of good practice and a substantial evidence base

• the Department of Health has an important leadership role to play in creating an environment in which arts and health can prosper by promoting, developing and supporting arts and health

• the Department should make a clear statement on the on the value of arts and health, build partnerships and publish a Prospectus for arts in health in collaboration with other key contributors
  
  Relevant Links:

  Department of Health Publication: ‘Report of the Review of Arts and Health Working Group’ The report sets out the findings and recommendations of the Review of Arts and Health Working Group, which was set up by Harry Cayton, the National Director for Patient and the Public, to support him in advising the Department of Health on its role in relation to arts and health.
  
  Arts Council England Publication: ‘The arts health and well being’. This is Arts Council England's first national strategy for the arts, health and wellbeing.

  Arts Council England Publication: ‘A Prospectus for Arts and Health’ celebrates and promotes the benefits of the arts in improving everyone’s wellbeing, health and healthcare, and its role in supporting those who work in and with the National Health Service.
  
  Norfolk Arts in Health Partnership