Creative Health in the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland ICS Region
An information resource for Creative Health advocates in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
During my time at the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) within the Creative Health Associate Team, we developed a selection of ‘Creative Health in the ICS’ resources, which provide local advocates with a rounded introduction to what Creative Health looks like in their area. In the Midlands, the area to feature was Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICS Region. The resource is available to download here:
Background to the Associates Programme and ICSs
In July 2023, The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) launched its Creative Health Associates Programme, funded by Arts Council England. This saw the introduction of seven Creative Health Associates, each of whom represented a different NHS region.
The role of a Creative Health Associate is to connect into healthcare systems and advocate for Creative Health at a senior level. The aim of the programme was to deliver a step-change in embedding Creative Health across the health and care system in England.
In the Midlands NHS Region, there are currently 11 Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), one of which is Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICS. An Integrated Care System is a local partnership between NHS, Local Authorities, and other organisations that work together to improve health and care services.
About the Resource
The people and programmes highlighted in this resource are a selection of those that I connected to during my time in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of everything happening in the area. Highlighted profiles were selected from health systems, network groups, and those featured in the cultural strategy, rather than other important Creative Health stakeholders working at the grassroots level.
The resource is intended to support local Creative Health advocates to feel better informed about the state of Creative Health strategy and leadership in their local systems. Throughout the resource you will find: 1) key health terms, 2) an introduction to key people and initiatives, 3) two narrative overviews of the region, and 4) a selection of resources which will support the development of strategic thinking and bid-writing.
This resource was published in January 2025 and the contacts spotlighted were gathered over a 16-month period. The Creative Health scene is forever growing and evolving, so this is simply a snapshot in time to share some of the insights that I gathered during my role.