LAHWN's vision is that art and creativity will help Leeds become a healthy city, where the poorest people improve their health more quickly. The LAHWN model is one of the first of its kind nationally and is recognised nationally as an innovative system. https://lahwn.co.uk/ Equally forward-thinking is the experience of another English city, Bradford, this year's UK City of Culture.

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture has presented over 30 innovative projects as part of its Creative Health programme, harnessing the transformative power of culture and creativity to address some of the district's most pressing health and social challenges.

In collaboration with local health partners, including the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, Bradford District & Craven MIND, the VCS Alliance (Voluntary and Community Sector) and Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bradford 2025 will take a pioneering approach to improving both mental and physical wellbeing in the region's most disadvantaged communities.

Bradford 2025 is ready to implement what is considered one of the largest social prescription initiatives of its kind, being the largest annual investment by a single local authority in the UK. Here are some of the projects presented:
• Bevan: a support programme for marginalised men offering carpentry, gardening, cooking and mindfulness workshops, promoting mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
• Bloomin' Buds: individual creative workshops, live performances and art exhibitions for older people confined to their homes to reduce isolation and build community connections.
• Body Image Coach: an animated video project addressing body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and body dysmorphia, with workshops focusing on storyboarding and motion graphics in Bradford.
• Bradford Care Association: co-production of creative activities at cultural sites and care facilities to connect people receiving care and support with cultural experiences through reminiscence workshops, virtual tours and a resource activity pack.
• Bradford Friendship Choir: a choir for refugees and asylum seekers that uses singing to reduce stress, promote social relationships and support trauma recovery through creative health workshops.

With regard to the activities included in a European Capital of Culture, EcocNews interviewed Marta Ryczkowska, Programme Curator Lublin 2029, on the relationship between culture and wellbeing here.

The European Union is also addressing this issue.

The European Union (EU) Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 begins by recognising that “culture is an endless source of inspiration and innovation, a reflection of humanity and aesthetics, of our common language and heritage, and a fundamental part of our identities and communities”. Mandated by the Work Plan, the Open Method Coordination Group on Culture and Health began its work in February 2024.

Its task was to recommend how the EU should respond to international evidence that participation in cultural and creative activities and culture-based interventions promotes better health outcomes and greater well-being.

Cultural and health activities have been shown to be beneficial for health promotion, disease prevention, the management and treatment of health conditions (including physical and mental health), and social inclusion and cohesion. We remain mindful that, while culture is fundamental, it must never be exploited. Therefore, the task of this MAC has been to recommend strategic actions that can unlock the potential of culture and health across the EU.

As the Group prepared this report, the timeliness of its work and the enormous opportunity to act now became clear. In a rapidly changing political landscape, the cross-sectoral field of culture and health is poised to make a transformative contribution to key EU policy priorities.

More art, more wellbeing: CARE awareness campaign
The more we engage with art and culture (both actively and receptively), the more comfortable, balanced and in tune with ourselves and the world we feel. More us. More you. Art and culture have this incredible ability to take us out of our heads, to show us what matters, to connect us with ourselves and with others. So, naturally, the more we have, the more you. Discover our new campaign below, including scientific evidence relevant to our messages.

The relationship between music and wellbeing is supported by reliable evidence. For example, music can be effective in improving relaxation and reducing stress through physiological and psychological factors. The relationship between participation in the visual arts and mental wellbeing is supported by evidence. This includes improved mood and feelings of pleasure. The relationship between museum visits and the wellbeing of older people is supported by evidence. This includes improved social relationships, mood and reduced loneliness.

Mental health problems are on the rise across Europe, affecting over 85 million people. The CARE - Culture for Mental Health project proposes a new and creative approach to addressing these issues, facilitating social transformation through culture. By integrating art and culture into mental health strategies, CARE aims to contribute to the health and well-being of young people, workers and vulnerable communities across Europe.

Building on the Art&Well-being and CultureForHealth projects, CARE encourages cross-sector collaboration between culture, health, social services, business and education, and promotes cultural participation as a tool for improving the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The project aims to provide solutions at both a structural and individual level, integrating art and culture into other sectors to support mental health in Europe. The project also strengthens the skills of professionals in the sectors involved, establishes innovation laboratories in the arts and health, and promotes the benefits of cultural approaches to mental health at European, national and local levels.

Among the European Capitals of Culture, Leuven, recently nominated for 2030, is also dedicating a significant part of its preparatory activities to this theme.

CONFERENCE: Culture and Care: A Joint Call for Change - 26 & 27 February 2026 – Leuven, Belgium - STUK. House for Dance, Image and Sound

"This conference explores how culture and care can reinforce each other in addressing complex social challenges. Medical treatment provides essential support, but care extends beyond that, embracing the whole person and their living environment.

We highlight an ongoing paradigm shift: from viewing care as primarily a medical intervention to recognising it as a shared cultural and human practice. This includes not only responding to illness, but also strengthening prevention, resilience and quality of life, helping individuals and communities to thrive. Art and culture can play a key role in this transformation. By bringing art and care into dialogue, we explore how their encounter can enrich care and honour the integrity of artistic practice. Furthermore, we do not shy away from the critical issues and concerns raised in both the arts and care sectors. We focus on projects and practices that contribute to a sustainable transformation in the way we think about care and its intertwining with culture. Throughout the programme, we will schedule stimulating talks and performances”.

The voice of Larnaka was heard at the United Nations Forum of Mayors, where Mayor Andreas Vyras represented the Cypriot Local Government in the thematic discussion on “Good Health and Well-being.” The Mayor spoke about the struggle that has shaped the modern history of our city — the relocation of the fuel and gas facilities. A collective goal that required decades of persistence, collaboration, and faith. This achievement is not only a victory for the safety and health of our citizens; it also marks a starting point for sustainable development and the revitalization of our city’s coastal front. Larnaka shows what it means to care, to collaborate, and to create common ground for sustainability.

To conclude, EcocNews interviewed Stefan Teiseanu, Secretary General of Culture Next, here.