Creativity Brings “Critical Hope”

Creativity Brings “Critical Hope” to Norfolk & Suffolk Communities Facing Health Challenges

People across Norfolk and Suffolk are being invited to see creativity not just as something enjoyable, but as something essential to health and wellbeing, as part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week 18-24 May 2026.

New national research shows that people in the UK are now living fewer years in good health than a decade ago, with many experiencing illness well before retirement age. In the most disadvantaged communities, people can face up to 20 fewer years of good health than those in the wealthiest areas.

Local organisations say this is a challenge – but also an opportunity.

Creativity as a lifeline is backed by science

Across the region, creative programmes are already making a real difference to people’s health and the quality of their lives. For instance, arts workshops with older people in Norfolk over the last decade, including those living with dementia, long-term conditions, or loneliness, has shown clear, evidenced benefits including:

• Improved wellbeing
• Stronger social connections
• Reduced isolation

Now new research from University College London has found that taking part in arts and cultural activities, such as making music or visiting galleries, can slow the pace of ageing, with benefits similar to regular exercise.

This means that creativity doesn’t just make people feel better—it can help them stay healthier for longer.

A regional effort to improve health

The Norfolk & Suffolk: Region of Creative Health programme is bringing together organisations from across health, local government and the arts to make creativity a bigger part of everyday life.

The ambition is simple:

• Help people stay well for longer
• Support those living with long-term conditions
• Reduce loneliness and isolation
• Make creative opportunities available to more people

At the same time, East Suffolk and King’s Lynn & West Norfolk have become Marmot Places, meaning they are focusing on improving health by tackling issues like isolation, poverty and access to opportunity.

Here, creativity can play a key role in helping to achieve these goals, by:

• Bringing people together
• Building stronger communities
• Supporting mental and physical wellbeing

A message of “Critical Hope”

The theme for this year’s Creativity and Wellbeing Week is Critical Hope, reflecting the importance of finding practical solutions to difficult challenges. Local leaders believe creativity is one of those solutions.

Natalie Jode, Executive Director of Creative Arts East, said:

“We know that creativity changes lives. It brings people together, reduces loneliness and helps people feel more confident and connected. At a time when many people are facing declining health, creativity offers something incredibly powerful – a way to start well, stay well, and age well. That’s what Critical Hope looks like in action.”

For ways to be kept informed about the project, join the new Creative Health Interest Meetings (CHIMe) and/or sign up to the Norfolk & Suffolk Creative Health Mailing List to be kept informed of developments happening across the regions.