Health & Wellbeing
Issue 72 / Spring 2019
Good for your health
The health benefits of the arts and culture are increasingly being recognised by government, healthcare practitioners and those working in the cultural sector.
In this JAM we capture the tip of the iceberg of great programmes that are supporting a range of physical and mental healthcare, as well as touching on issues such as loneliness.
Victoria Hume from the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance, explains the positive impact that cultural engagement can have on people’s health and wellbeing.
The move towards arts and social prescribing is significant for the cultural sector. Tim Joss from Aesop considers the benefits and challenges of this.
Alex Coulter and Lisa Tregale write about Music for a While, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s music programme for people with dementia.
Lucinda Hennessy celebrates the Royal Academy of Dance’s successful Silver Swans programme; Amy Rushby explains Aesop’s plans to turn its falls prevention programme into a universal health service; and Fleur Derbyshire-Fox describes the impact English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme is having on people living with Parkinson’s.
Last October, the Lyric Hammersmith had a week of activities for staff celebrating wellbeing and community. Chrissy Angus describes how the week unfolded.
Helen Holden provides an insight into the work of Creative Alternatives, an arts and wellbeing programme for people experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and/or depression.
In this issue’s Connect Discover Inspire Caterina Lacueva Bisquert applauds the work of the V&A’s volunteers; the spotlight shines on Abby Deem, AMA’s Events and Programme Officer; and Verity Sanderson explains why the AMA is changing its events brochure.
Any thoughts, comments or suggestions for JAM? Please email the Editor, Jacqueline Haxton at jacqueline@a-m-a.co.uk.
JAM cover image courtesy of English National Ballet, Dance for Parkinson’s in Oxford.
© Rachel Cherry, 2015. Dance for Parkinson’s on World Ballet Day.