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Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.
Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.
The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.
What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.
By the numbers:
12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin
30% of people currently live with a long-term condition
70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions
What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.
The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.
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