Creative activity can result in better health and life

By Katherine Condon

Minister for Health, Simon Harris has claimed that the creative arts can contribute to a more holistic approach to promoting good health.

“Being involved in creative activities can help us to connect with others or learn new skills, which are important ways we can look after our mental wellbeing,” said Mr Harris.

His comments come as the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Creative Ireland in collaboration with Healthy Ireland announced a ‘creative conversation’ at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin yesterday.

The conversation is hoped to explore how creativity impacts on mental wellbeing and will be the focus of a special event on Thursday, 12 March.

The 12 March event will feature a panel discussion with Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry, Trinity College, Dublin, Anne Sheridan, Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, HSE, Laura McQuade, Institute of Public Health, Sharon Armstrong Williams, Wellcome Trust and Helene Hugel CEO, Helium Arts.

There will also be a special performance from spoken word artist Stephen James Smith.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan also commented ahead of the event, saying:

“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the best people in the room together to talk about how creative activity can change lives for the better here in Ireland.”