In this conversation, Laura and Kate Valentine explore the transformative power of singing for mothers through the Singing Mamas programme. Kate shares her journey from nursing to leading community singing sessions, emphasising the emotional and mental health benefits of singing. They discuss the integration of creative health into the NHS, the challenges of funding, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights how singing can foster connection, healing, and confidence among mothers, ultimately advocating for a shift in how health professionals view and utilise creative practices in healthcare.

Takeaways:

Singing together creates a sense of community and belonging.

The act of singing can significantly improve mental health.

Mothers often struggle with mental health, and singing provides support.

Creative health initiatives can be integrated into the NHS.

Funding for community singing programs is often inconsistent.

Singing helps build confidence in one's voice and expression.

Community leaders play a crucial role in promoting wellbeing.

Singing can be a powerful tool for emotional processing.

The benefits of singing extend beyond the individual to the community.

Creative practices are essential for the resilience of health professionals.

Links:

Singing Mamas CIC

Socials:

Singing_Mamas_Org

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In this episode of Creative Health Stories, host Laura Bailey speaks with Sarah Ticho, a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, about her journey into immersive technology and its applications in health and wellbeing. They discuss the various forms of immersive technology, including XR, VR, AR, and MR, and how these technologies can be used therapeutically in areas such as pain management, mental health, and community building. Sarah shares her experiences with her project Soul Paint, which aims to help individuals express their emotions through immersive art. The conversation also touches on the challenges of funding, the need for diversity in the field, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all.

Takeaways:

• Immersive technology can serve as a bridge for discussing difficult topics like grief.
• XR has significant applications in pain management and mental health treatment.
• Funding for XR projects is often challenging due to a perceived lack of evidence and insufficient infrastructure.
• Diversity and inclusion are critical in the development of XR technologies.
• Community building through VR can help combat isolation and foster connections.
• Soul Paint is an immersive experience designed to help individuals explore their emotions.
• The process of creating immersive art involves collaboration across various disciplines.
• There is a need for new roles and infrastructure in healthcare to support XR initiatives.
• The potential of XR in healthcare is vast, but it requires more recognition and support.

Links:

Soul Paint

Hatsumi

Monobanda

Deep

We Met in Virtual Reality

Quad Gods

The Growing Value of XR in Healthcare in the UK report

Socials:

Soul Paint Instagram

Sarah on Instagram

Sarah on LinkedIn

Creative Health Stories Instagram

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In this episode host Laura Bailey is joined by artist, researcher, art psychotherapist and community leader Thahmina Begum. Based in Leeds, Thahmina shares her extraordinary 20+ year journey at the intersection of creative health, art therapy and community development, rooted in her Bangladeshi heritage and unwavering commitment to social justice and health equity.

From the early influence of youth clubs and play schemes in Leeds, to art therapy programmes that address racial and intergenerational trauma, Thahmina’s work spans psychiatric wards, schools, community centres and galleries. She reflects on her personal story of resilience and the power of art to create safe, transformative spaces for people from underrepresented communities.

She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed practice, the ethics of care for artists and practitioners, and the urgent need for leadership, infrastructure and investment to sustain a creative health workforce. With infectious warmth and clarity, Thahmina offers a vision for an equitable future where art is embedded across health services—from GP surgeries to national institutions.

Links:

Creative Health Stories

Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) – Thahmina is Co-Chair

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

British Library

British Council

The Tetley / Yorkshire Contemporary

Yorkshire Sculpture International

Leeds Art Gallery

Henry Moore Institute

Barbara Hepworth Wakefield

Leeds City Museum

Up Projects – Thahmina is a Trustee

Lab4Living

Creative Health Boards

Global South Arts and Health Week

Socials:

@artbyfudgee

@creativehealthstories

Get Involved:

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