How Can We Reduce Health Inequalities Through Creativity - The Overlooked Challenges of Minority and Non-Native Communities

I had the privilege of attending the event "How Can We Reduce Health Inequalities Through Creativity", supported by the South East London Integrated Care System, Greater London Authority, and Southbank Centre. The event brought together professionals to explore the growing importance of creative health in reducing health inequalities. Creative health involves a wide range of activities, from community gardening projects to singing groups for wellbeing, which draw on cultural, creative, and community assets to support people in living well.

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My Contribution: Sharing the Healing Power of Social Therapeutic Horticulture

As a speaker, I had the opportunity to share my work in social therapeutic horticulture (STH) and its role in supporting individuals facing language barriers, especially immigrants and non-native English speakers. Through gardening and nature-based interventions, STH offers an inclusive, non-verbal approach to healing, where people from all backgrounds can connect, heal, and engage in health-promoting activities without the limitations of language.

In my presentation, I highlighted how this approach can:

• Offer mental and physical healing through non-verbal interactions

• Create a safe and supportive space where everyone feels welcomed

• Combat social isolation and foster a sense of community

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A Critical Reflection: The Overlooked Challenges of Minority and Non-Native Communities

While the event emphasised the power of creativity in supporting health, I couldn’t help but notice a gap in the discussions—the lack of attention to minority and non-native speaker communities who face unique barriers in accessing creative health initiatives. In the context of South East London, a diverse region with a significant number of non-native speakers, we need to ensure that creative health programs are not only culturally appropriate but also linguistically inclusive.

South East London has 160,000 non-native speakers. This statistic shocked many attendees, highlighting the health challenges faced by a large portion of the population due to language barriers. Yet, despite the critical need, current therapeutic programs are not specifically designed to address these barriers. This realisation has deepened my belief that more needs to be done to ensure these communities are fully included in the benefits of creative health.

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The Importance of Cultural and Language Adaptation in Creative Health Programs

During the discussions, it became clear that while creativity has the power to bridge gaps in healthcare, it is crucial for creative programs to be culturally and linguistically adaptable. For individuals from minority backgrounds or non-native speakers, accessing creative health programs can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. By tailoring programs to their specific needs, including cultural context and language support, we can ensure these individuals feel truly seen and heard.

From my experience at Thrive and my involvement in the Creative Health Co-Production Group, I have witnessed firsthand the significance of creating inclusive and accessible therapeutic programs. In projects like gardening or creative arts sessions, providing language support and cultural adaptation can be transformative, ensuring that the programs are effective for people from diverse communities.

At the event, we discussed the impact of existing creative health initiatives in South East London, such as Breathe Arts Health Research and Thriving Stockwell. While these initiatives are already making a difference, it’s evident that we must work to make them even more inclusive. Ensuring accessibility for people from all cultural backgrounds and with varying levels of language proficiency will amplify their impact and support the well-being of a wider range of individuals.

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Building an Inclusive Future: The Road Ahead

The discussions at the event and my involvement in the Creative Health Co-Production Group have inspired me to continue advocating for culturally sensitive and linguistically inclusive healthcare programs. As we move forward with the South East London Creative Health Programme, I believe it is essential to explore ways in which creative health can be integrated into the healthcare system in a way that prioritises inclusivity. By collaborating across sectors, we can develop programs that not only support the wellbeing of diverse communities but also address the specific challenges faced by minority and non-native groups.

Moving forward, I will continue to promote these ideas through public conversations, focusing on how creative initiatives can be a catalyst for reducing health inequalities, especially for those who face additional barriers due to language and cultural differences. This work is crucial for building a more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or language.