HSE South West highlights impact of arts and culture in healthcare in 2025

HSE South West delivered a record 1,154 creative initiatives across healthcare and community settings in 2025, demonstrating the growing role of arts and culture in supporting health, wellbeing and connection across Cork and Kerry.

Creative activity took place across a range of services, including at residential settings, Primary Care Centres, community venues and workplaces. This work was delivered through collaborative partnerships with Creative Ireland, local authorities, cultural organisations, artists and community groups, and forms part of the Health Promotion and Improvement portfolio.

Sheelagh Broderick, Arts and Culture lead HSE South West, said:

“Arts and culture play an important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing across the life course. Whether through live music in residential care, creative engagement for people experiencing mental health challenges, or community-based programmes that reduce isolation - this work creates opportunities for participation, expression and connection within healthcare and community settings.”

In 2025, HSE South West delivered:

• 856 creative initiatives and activities within Older Persons Services
• Three Creative Ireland Health and Wellbeing in the Community projects led by Cork County, Cork City and Kerry County Councils
• A youth partnership with the Cork Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) supporting CAMHS Eist Linn residential service
• Community-based initiatives including Cork Cultural Companions, which supports people aged 50+ to engage with cultural events together; Social Prescribing through Creative Engagement, which links individuals with creative opportunities as part of personalised wellbeing pathways; and the Helium programme, which delivers supported arts workshops for children with long term illness in community settings
• 95 workplace wellbeing workshops delivered for HSE South West staff through Cork County Council’s Make or Break programme.

Sharon O’Sullivan, Health Promotion and Improvement Manager, HSE South West, said:

“Arts and culture activity delivered through the Health Promotion and Improvement portfolio contributes directly to prevention-focused, community-based approaches aligned with Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare. This work is underpinned by strong partnership and leadership across various sectors, and I would like to thank all colleagues, artists and partners involved in delivery throughout the year.”