National programme brings creative health boost for East Sussex
THE use of creative activities to improve health and wellbeing has been given a boost as East Sussex is selected to join a national programme.
The National Centre for Creative Health announced East Sussex County Council would be part of the Creative Health Leads Programme which part funds a new role and opens the door to expert guidance and support.
Although there is already a focus on creative health in the county, inclusion in the programme will drive it forward, strengthening partnerships, increasing opportunities, promoting health and wellbeing through creative pursuits more widely and reducing inequalities.
Cllr Mark Estcourt, the county council’s lead member for adult social care and health, said: “Getting people involved in artistic and cultural activities can have a profound impact on their life. Evidence shows that it can improve health, reduce medication use and GP visits, and tackle loneliness.
“Being selected for the programme will help us offer more creative activities to support the health and wellbeing of even more residents, build community resilience, support our voluntary sector and create new job opportunities.”
He added: “Having a dedicated person to coordinate and improve our creative health offer could also open up new funding opportunities that could help us tackle inequalities, particularly in our coastal and most deprived areas.”
East Sussex will receive support including structured learning and development, and a two-year subsidy towards the role of a Creative Health Lead. Ring-fenced Public Health money will cover the remaining cost of the new role.
The new creative health lead will work in partnership with the Culture East Sussex board (CES), a network of public bodies, cultural organisations, and individuals hosted by East Sussex County Council to support the county’s cultural sector.
Board Chair Stewart Drew, CEO of De La Warr Pavilion, and Vice Chair Julia Roberts, CEO of Culture Shift, said: “We are delighted that East Sussex has been chosen to benefit from the Creative Health Leads in Systems Programme and we know that this news will be welcomed by our sector colleagues.
“East Sussex already benefits from a wealth of activity in the field of creative health and this funding will ensure that there is continued growth and development in this area to improve health outcomes across our communities.”
As well as working with the National Centre for Creative Health, partners and communities to embed creative health in the county, East Sussex will contribute to national learning about how creative health can support prevention, reduce inequalities and strengthen neighbourhood health.
Ends.
Wednesday, 11 November 2026