The Music Works announces panellists for Creative Health & Wellbeing Day on Friday 14th November
The Creative Health & Wellbeing Day will bring together leading experts to explore how creative practices contribute to improved mental, physical, and emotional health outcomes. The discussions will provide valuable perspectives for creative practitioners, healthcare professionals, educators, community organisations, and funders interested in the connection between creativity and wellbeing.
“This is a day that proves creativity isn’t peripheral to young people’s wellbeing – it’s essential. Through live performances, spoken word, and panels tackling the big questions about evidence, relationships, and system change, we’re connecting a sector that believes young people deserve meaningful, creative interventions where they truly belong.” Lyndsay Davies, Director of National Programmes, The Music Works.
/// Panel 1 – The Power of Connection: Relationships and Belonging at the Heart of Creative Health
Exploring how meaningful relationships and a sense of community form the foundation for positive change in young people’s lives. Speakers will discuss building safe spaces for connection and supporting vulnerable young people.
- Lyndsay Davies – Director of National Programmes, The Music Works
- Misha Law – Health Lead & Music Therapist, The Music Works
- Nathan Dennis – Founder, First Class Foundation & Co-Director, Legacy Consultants
- Laura Lewis-Paul – Founder/Director of Culture, Saffron Music
- Dan Tsu – Creative Director, Lyrix Organix
- Char Grant – Executive Director, Babychild Music
/// Panel 2 – Proving What We Know: Capturing the Impact of Creativity
Practical approaches to evaluating creative practice, capturing meaningful outcomes, and demonstrating impact to funders, commissioners, and policymakers.
- Amabel Mortimer – Strategic Director, ND Hub Gloucestershire
- Dr Farai Makoni – Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, University of Gloucestershire
- Dr Matthew Sitch – Senior Lecturer, Psychology, University of Gloucestershire
- Lee Holder – Disability Lead / Head of Workforce, The Music Works
- Georgina Fox – Senior Mental Health Practitioner, The Horsfall
- Hannah Gorf – Senior Programme Manager, Health Communities and Individuals, NHS Gloucestershire
/// Panel 3 Creativity as a Force for System Change
Exploring how creative interventions can drive system-level change in health, education, and justice, with contributions from young people and policymakers.
- Simon Opher – Labour MP for Stroud
- Malaki Patterson – CEO, The Music Works
- Hollie Smith Charles – Director of Creative Health & Change, Arts Council England
- Effie Kriel – Spoken Word Artist
- Kay Kouhdaree – Youth Social Action Participant
- Logan Gibbins – Gloucestershire ND Youth Council