Newyddion WAHWN
Prevention better than cure: ‘Welsh Government urged to protect arts funding to ease NHS strain
Wales’ arts sector is urging the Welsh Government to support arts organisations delivering health and wellbeing programmes in its new Budget, amid growing calls from NHS leaders for more focus on preventative care.
There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the important role the arts are playing in promoting good health and preventing and managing illness, as well as the economic benefits of arts and health programmes. Evidence shows that investing in preventative programmes offers great value for money, keeps people healthier and addresses health inequalities.
As Members of the Senedd prepare to agree the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2025-2026, the Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network (WAHWN) is calling for:
· Long-term investment in Welsh arts organisations focused on health and wellbeing now to support preventative care and save costs and pressures on NHS and social care services later.
· Ring fenced prevention funding in all future budgets
“We welcome the Health Minister’s recent call for a preventative approach to healthcare, which can help manage future demands and reduce the burden on the healthcare system,” said Angela Rogers, CEO of WAHWN. “The arts are playing a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of patients, communities and the health workforce. Arts and health partnerships are helping to reduce anxiety, tackle loneliness, chronic pain and support the growing number of children and young people on CAHMS waiting lists. They are linked to people living longer, happier and healthier lives as well as reduced GP appointments, hospital admissions and A&E Visits.
“Arts on prescription schemes are also estimated to give a return on investment of £2.30 for every £1 spent – so it makes good business sense, too. Investing now will save costs on NHS and social care further down the line.”
Wales’ arts and health sectors have been working together for more than a decade to transform the health, wellbeing and resilience of individuals, communities and healthcare systems across the country. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation, now in its fifth year, has been recognised as one of the few concrete commitments to arts and health policy globally[1].
Today, nearly all of Wales’ health boards, as well as Velindre NHS Trust, have co-funded arts and health coordinators who are tackling local health priorities. The Arts Council of Wales’ Arts, Health and Wellbeing Lottery Fund also promotes collaborations between health, third sector and arts organisations, such as the Welsh National Opera’s (WNO) singing and breathing programme, Wellness with WNO, which was initially created for people living with Long COVID but is now Wales’ first national socially prescribed programme, available across Wales as a rehabilitation service for other health conditions.
“Wales’ arts and health sectors have built a foundation for this transformative work that supports some of the country’s most important and innovative legislation, including the Well-being of Future Generations Act,” said Ms Rogers.
“By securing dedicated funding and policy support in the longer-term, Wales can continue to lead the way in integrating arts into health and wellbeing strategies for a Healthier Wales.”
For more information, contact Angela Rogers, Executive Director for WAHWN, on info@wahwn.cymru.
Notes to editor:
Additional notes
· A cross-party group on arts and health, chaired by Heledd Fychan MS, is dedicated to raising MS’ awareness of arts and health work, building political traction and influencing policy.
· A growing body of evidence demonstrates the impact of arts on health and wellbeing, including:
- The Lancet Public Health highlighting the MoU between Arts Council Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation as a significant commitment to reducing health inequalities and enhancing social capital.
- Research from University College London (UCL) links participation in arts and culture to longer, healthier lives.
- Reports from the National Centre for Creative Health and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) demonstrate the value – both quantitative and qualitative – of arts and health and arts on prescription models.
· WAHWN and the wider sector advocate a social model of health that addresses the social determinants of health. This approach:
- Tackles health inequities caused by social inequalities
- Promotes a holistic view of health, focusing on social, economic, and environmental factors alongside medical treatments.
About Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network (WAHWN)
· WAHWN is the national sector support organisation for arts and health in Wales, working collaboratively with the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh NHS Confederation, and Public Health Wales.
· It supports organisations and freelance practitioners to grow their resilience and capacity to support health outcomes, through networking, training and advocacy.
· Its key activities include:
- Supporting organisations and freelance practitioners to grow resilience and capacity to achieve health outcomes through networking, training, and advocacy.
- Advocating that the arts are embedded in key Welsh Government consultations and strategies, such as the National Framework for Social Prescribing and the Mental Health Strategy.
- Organising the inaugural WEAVE conference in 2023, which brought together more than 100 health and care workers, artists and arts organisations, policymakers and academics to address health inequalities and mental health.
[1] As highlighted in the Lancet and the Creative Health Review.