Is the art studio quietly becoming one of the UK’s most powerful wellbeing spaces? When illness changes the rhythm of life, creativity can offer a different way back in. 

With Long Covid Awareness Month taking place in March, I’ve been reflecting on a creative health project I set up in Hackney two years ago in 2024, co-designed and co-facilitated with fellow art therapist Jen Raingold. 

Each week participants explored gentle art-making - from slow stitching to block printing - alongside grounding exercises to help settle the nervous system. The aim was to forge a safe space for creativity and experimentation, supporting participants to find community with others going through similar health issues.

Across the project:

• 87% reported feeling happier afterwards

• 80% felt inspired

• 74% felt more relaxed

One participant shared -

““Keep on doing this. I feel looked after and seen with spaces like this. It’s safe and good for the soul.”

The UCL Creative Wellbeing Measures Toolkit was used for this project. I’m curious to hear from others working in creative health:

What effective models of evaluation do you use and why?

#CreativeHealth #LongCovid #LongCovidAwarenessMonth