Effective collaboration in Creative Health

Ambassadors Report

Doncaster is pioneering a new approach to advocating for creative health by placing people with lived experience at the centre of local arts and wellbeing initiatives. This report, written by Artist, Arts Therapist, and embedded researcher Emilie Taylor, explains how Lived Experience Ambassadors (individuals who have personally benefited from creative activities for their health) can help others in the community access similar opportunities.  

By working with organisations such as darts, Cast, and Heritage Doncaster, these Ambassadors help break down barriers, raise awareness, and make creative health more accessible, especially for those who are often overlooked.  

The model builds on the successful Sheffield Recovery Ambassadors programme, showing how Ambassadors can support stretched services, offer tailored guidance, and open up new pathways to volunteering and employment. The report outlines practical steps for putting this model into action, with an aim of creating more connection across Doncaster.  

Drumming Report

This report written by Artist, Art Therapist and embedded researcher Emilie Taylor, highlights the transformative impact of weekly drumming sessions for men seeking asylum in Doncaster.  

Born from community feedback after the Manvers Riots, the project offers a creative space where participants can reconnect with music, find relief from stress, and build supportive relationships.  

Through the rhythms of drumming, men from diverse backgrounds say they have experienced improved mental health, a sense of belonging, and it has given them opportunities to share their cultures with the wider community.  

The sessions, led by experienced facilitators and supported by local organisations including Cast, Doncaster Conversation Club and Changing Lives, aim to help individuals heal from trauma and have also fostered greater understanding and cohesion in Doncaster.