Creative Health Assembly helps shape ambitious new partnership to support young people’s mental health across south east London
200 young people, clinicians, artists, community organisations and system leaders came together at the Southbank Centre on Friday 18 September for a Creative Health Assembly, helping to shape an ambitious partnership that aims to transform support for children and young people’s mental health across south east London.
The partnership between the Southbank Centre, NHS South East London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is developing a new approach to creative health, using arts and culture as part of a wider effort to improve mental health, reduce inequalities and provide earlier support for young people.
The collaboration is centred around three key areas: creating a dedicated Creative Health Youth Centre at the Southbank Centre, developing creative support for young people waiting for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and expanding community-based prevention and early intervention programmes.
The Creative Health Assembly brought these ambitions to life through a lively and interactive day of discussion, creativity and shared learning. Participants took part in workshops and discussion groups, sharing ideas on how arts, culture and community-based approaches can better support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Far from a traditional conference, the assembly was characterised by creativity, joy, and participation. Young people, healthcare professionals, artists and voluntary sector organisations exchanged ideas as equals, helping to shape a collective vision for the future. The day featured thought-provoking discussions, interactive activities and opportunities for attendees to contribute their views on the role creative health can play in supporting young people.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of supporting young people before they reach crisis point. Speakers highlighted how creative activities can help build confidence, connection, purpose and belonging, while complementing traditional mental health services.
The assembly also explored the growing evidence base behind creative health and its potential to improve mental health outcomes, particularly for young people facing inequalities, long waits for support or significant life transitions. Discussions reinforced the importance of co-production, with young people recognised not simply as participants, but as partners in designing future support.
Young people played a central role throughout the day, sharing their experiences of accessing support and helping shape ideas for future programmes. Their contributions highlighted the challenges of navigating mental health services, the importance of receiving support while waiting for care, and the value of having safe, welcoming spaces that promote wellbeing.
The event also featured live performances from young people, showcasing the creativity, talent and confidence that creative opportunities can help foster and providing a powerful reminder of the positive impact that arts and culture can have on wellbeing.
Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of NHS South East London, said:
“Children and young people’s mental health is one of the most important challenges we face. While clinical services remain vital, we know that prevention, early intervention and strong community support are equally important.
“This partnership brings together the NHS, the cultural sector and local communities to create new opportunities for young people to connect, express themselves and access support in ways that work for them.
“Creative health has the potential to create belonging, connection, purpose and participation, reaching people in ways traditional services sometimes cannot. It was inspiring to see so many young people helping to shape this work and ensuring their voices remain at the heart of our plans.”
Paul Calaminus, Chief Executive of South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust said:
“As a mental health provider, we know the NHS has a vital role to play in supporting children and young people, but clinical services alone cannot be the answer. We need to reach young people earlier, support their wellbeing before problems escalate, and create opportunities for connection, confidence and belonging.
“What makes this partnership so exciting is the combination of clinical expertise, creativity and the strength of our communities. By working with the Southbank Centre, NHS partners, community organisations and, crucially, young people themselves, we have an opportunity to develop support that is more accessible, engaging and relevant to young people’s lives.
“The Assembly demonstrated the power of bringing those different perspectives together. Young people must remain at the heart of what comes next, helping us build a stronger and more connected system of support across south east London.”
The Creative Health Assembly forms part of a wider programme of consultation and co-production that will help inform the future direction of the partnership over the coming years.
By bringing together young people, clinicians, artists and community organisations, the partnership aims to develop innovative, evidence-based approaches that support mental wellbeing, tackle inequalities and help more children and young people across south east London access the support they need, when they need it.