Create & Bloom app launches to inspire creativity and support wellbeing
A groundbreaking new creative health app, Create & Bloom, has launched offering an innovative way to boost mental health and wellbeing through creative activities.
Designed to make creativity accessible to all, the app provides structured courses in drawing, creative writing, dance, movement, and mixed arts, guiding users on a journey of self-expression and connection.
Developed by South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, Create & Bloom is an exciting and accessible way to start a creative daily practice with proven mental and physical health benefits. The app features engaging content from its first partners – Everybody Arts, Curious Motion, and Arvon – offering activities in movement, writing, and visual arts. It will launch, in Calderdale before expanding across West Yorkshire and beyond. This builds on the legacy of Calderdale’s Year of Culture, the iconic 12-month programme of cultural events and activities from April 2024 to April 2025.
David McQuillan, creativity and health programme manager at the Trust, said: “Create & Bloom is designed to make creativity a part of everyday life, just like eating well or staying active. We know that creative engagement has a powerful impact on mental and physical health, and this app makes it easy for everyone to get started.”
Create & Bloom empowers users to explore their creativity at their own pace, whether they are beginners or experienced artists. The app features structured courses designed by expert practitioners, helping individuals to build confidence, reduce stress, and foster a sense of achievement through creative expression.
Alongside its digital courses, Create & Bloom connects users with local creative opportunities, bridging the gap between digital and real-world experiences. As the app expands, it will integrate more regional opportunities, with a phased rollout starting in Bradford 2025, followed by South Yorkshire and beyond.
Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, said: “Through Calderdale’s Year of Culture, we set out to bring culture and creativity into the fabric of everyone’s lives. The Create & Bloom app is a great way of doing this, and will be a legacy for CultureDale by supporting people with their everyday creativity and wellbeing.”
While the app offers inspiring courses and activities that anyone in the UK can access, it also connects people to creative workshops, groups, and events in their local communities. This unique approach means that users can build a personal creative practice while also discovering opportunities to take part in in-person activities that support wellbeing and social connection. Additionally, Create & Bloom can commission and co-create content with specific communities, ensuring that the creative experiences are relevant, meaningful, and tailored to their needs.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “The new Create & Bloom app is a brilliant way to weave creativity into everyday life while boosting health and wellbeing. And it’s a great example of how West Yorkshire is leading the way in this field.
“We’re bringing healthcare professionals and the culture sector together to help people in our region live happier, healthier lives.”
Join the Movement
As Create & Bloom launches, individuals, artists, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to explore the app and integrate it into their wellbeing routines.
You can download the link for Apple or Google Play. Keep up to date with the app by following us on Instagram – @createandbloomapp.
