Representatives from across the Maldon District gathered for a session exploring the upcoming strategic development of Neighbourhood Health Plans, and how this could create opportunities for creative health activities as part of the wider NHS move towards ‘prevention’. There is significant evidence of the positive impact of participation in creative, heritage and environmental activities on health and wellbeing for people of all ages. The challenge is to find ways to get creative activities recognised as a key part of a community or neighbourhood approach to health (and particularly prevention of poor health).
Maldon District Council’s Culture and Heritage Strategy provides an opportunity to consider how creative health approaches can be supported, recognising the potential benefits to communities in both urban and more rural areas. Speakers at the event came from across the health and cultural sectors including Maldon District Council, Essex County Council, Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, Cultural Engine CIC, Creative Lives and Maldon & District CVS.
An initial framing presentation was presented by Giles Tofield from Cultural Engine CIC who are working on the Culture and Heritage Strategy. This set the scene linking the concept of neighbourhood health to creative health.
This was followed by a presentation from Matt Turner (Head of Health Integration and Wellbeing at Maldon District Council) reflecting on the One Maldon District Partnership and the collaboration that has been going on for a number of years, particularly taking a data approach to public health. The One Maldon District Partnership includes partners from across the District including community and voluntary sector, primary care, NHS, social care, mental health and parish councils.
Next up an Introduction to Neighbourhood Teams by Thomas Mann (Neighbourhood Officer) from Essex CC, setting out the partnership work that takes place across the Mid Essex area, and how this can provide a strong foundation for developing creative health approaches across the area. This was also an open invitation for organisations that would like to join the Neighbourhood Team.
There was a presentation from Kate Butcher (NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board) that covered the changes taking place for the ICB and the work ongoing on developing Neighbourhood Health Plans and other strategy and planning. There was reference to the relevance of creative health to neighbourhood health and the need for the ICB to work more effectively with a wide range of potential providers of services.
Jess Plant (Policy Director at Creative Lives) then gave an introdcution to the core concepts behind creative health and work that Creative Lives are leading for Essex CC on the Essex Creative Health Network. This follows the publication of their Essex Creative Health Mapping report (March 2025).
Finally, Sarah Troop (Director at Maldon & District CVS) focused on the key role that the CVS plays, and could develop further, relating to all aspects of neighbourhood health. It was proposed that further work take place, with the CVS playing a key role in bringing different sectors and partners together to develop creative health across the District.
At the end of the session there was a lot of interest in the concept of creative health for the Maldon District, and in looking at way of developing projects and engaging further with the new Essex Integrated Care Board, Essex County Council and the District Council. The key role of Maldon & District CVS was also recognised and future sessions will be held (next one likely to be the 13th May). Those wanting to stay in touch were asked to register interest here: Creative Health Sign up : AideCRM
Finally there were groups discussions focusing on key questions that can help to inform the way forward, as well as raising issues and questions that need to be considered at this early point in the process. The notes and key themes can be found in this document: