In this episode host Laura Bailey is joined by artist, researcher, art psychotherapist and community leader Thahmina Begum. Based in Leeds, Thahmina shares her extraordinary 20+ year journey at the intersection of creative health, art therapy and community development, rooted in her Bangladeshi heritage and unwavering commitment to social justice and health equity.

From the early influence of youth clubs and play schemes in Leeds, to art therapy programmes that address racial and intergenerational trauma, Thahmina’s work spans psychiatric wards, schools, community centres and galleries. She reflects on her personal story of resilience and the power of art to create safe, transformative spaces for people from underrepresented communities.

She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed practice, the ethics of care for artists and practitioners, and the urgent need for leadership, infrastructure and investment to sustain a creative health workforce. With infectious warmth and clarity, Thahmina offers a vision for an equitable future where art is embedded across health services—from GP surgeries to national institutions.

Links:

Creative Health Stories

Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) – Thahmina is Co-Chair

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

British Library

British Council

The Tetley / Yorkshire Contemporary

Yorkshire Sculpture International

Leeds Art Gallery

Henry Moore Institute

Barbara Hepworth Wakefield

Leeds City Museum

Up Projects – Thahmina is a Trustee

Lab4Living

Creative Health Boards

Global South Arts and Health Week

Socials:

@artbyfudgee

@creativehealthstories

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this rich and energising conversation, host Laura Bailey speaks with Tony Cealy, an acclaimed theatre practitioner and cultural producer, about the transformative power of drama, improvisation, and play in community and justice settings. Tony shares how he moved from an initial career in accountancy to working with some of society’s most marginalized groups through creative and participatory theatre.

We explore how Tony uses forum theatre, psychodrama, and improvisation to promote behavioural change, community empowerment, and policy advocacy. From working in prisons to shaping health systems, Tony's work challenges injustice, champions unheard voices, and inspires change from the ground up.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing Creative Health Stories — it really helps others discover the podcast.

Links:

Tony Cealy’s website

Theatre of the Oppressed

Cardboard Citizens

Socials:

@tonycealy

Tony's LinkedIn

@creativehealthstories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Hopewell is a lifelong advocate for social justice and community empowerment, whose work spans international public art, grassroots activism, and pioneering community-led health models that integrate creative health.

In this episode we have a rich conversation about Dan's life, work, and philosophy around community, creativity, and health. He discusses his early belief in social justice and activism and the 15 years he spent in Nicaragua developing community-based public art, which led to education reform and built a legacy that continues today. Upon returning to the UK, Dan joined Bromley by Bow Centre, where he contributed to the development of its arts and community programs. He talks through the Centre’s evolution from a dilapidated church into a pioneering, thriving community hub reversing traditional top-down approaches, integrating arts, employment, and social support services.

Dan helped shape the UK's social prescribing model, aiming to address the root causes of health issues through holistic, community-based support. We discuss its successes and challenges, along with the state of the NHS.

Links

Bromley by Bow Centre

Social Prescribing Network

Socials

@bromley_by_bow_centre

BbB LinkedIn

@creativehealthstories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.