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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