CHIMe July – Norfolk & Suffolk Healthcare Expo

Image credit – Claire Atherton

Our July CHIMe, held on July 3rd, during the Norfolk & Suffolk Healthcare Expo, saw the outside stage host a Creative Health Hour. From 11:00am-12:00pm, Stage host Simon Morgan, presented a Creative Health Panel discussion, a Creative Health singing workshop and a dance theatre production.

The Region of Creative Health (RoCH) was launched during a panel discussion, which featured Alex Casey, CEO from Suffolk Artlink, Jayne Knight, Project Manager: Place Making (Creative Health & Wellbeing), Suffolk County Council, Natalie Jode, CEO of Creative Arts East and Sophie O’Connor, Producer, Creative Health & Communities at DanceEast.

Creative Health Panel Discussion to launch the RoCH

Click here to read more about the Region of Creative Health project

Playing for Cake, were next up on stage, highlighting the benefits of their singing-for-breathing sessions which turn breaths into songs. Stronger Breaths, Brighter Voices offers professionally-led sessions designed to support breathing and vocal strength.

Whether you’re living with a lung condition, navigating Parkinson’s, recovering from illness, or simply want to feel more connected to your breath, these gentle, joyful vocal exercises are designed to make you feel better.

The final performance for the Creative Health Hour, was Tomfoolery a Dance and Theatre company.

Dance and physical theatre has the power to lift us all. From improving posture, strength and coordination to boosting mood and confidence.

Outside of the Creative Health Hour, keynote speaker and T.V Presenter Michaela Strachan spent time in the Creative Health zone, exploring the fantastic work being delivered across Norfolk and Suffolk, from non-clinical interventions such as Dance East’s, Dance for Parkinson’s programme, to Suffolk Artlink’s, Re<Charge social prescribing wellbeing programme, and Suffolk Community Libraries Creative Health Associate Artists exploring the potential of community health interventions that connect with and are inspired by environmental advocacy.

During her keynote, Michaela spoke about “Finding Your Pocket of Joy,” and it really connected with the heart of Creative Health, how creativity can support wellbeing in everyday life.

Her message highlights that joy isn’t just something people happen to feel; it can be noticed, practiced, and built over time. That idea fits well with Creative Health, which focuses on how arts and creative activities can help people feel better, feel more connected to others, and improve overall quality of life. By bringing attention back to something practical and personal, she made the impact of Creative Health feel clear and real.

Our next CHIMe will be held on September 10th between 12:30-1:30 where we will be presenting our plans for the Region of Creative Health (RoCH).

Sign up to attend here: Creative Health Interest Meeting – Online

You can catch up on previous CHIMe’s here

or

Sign up to the Norfolk & Suffolk Creative Health Mailing List to be kept informed of developments happening across the regions.