“The arts play a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing across the world,” said Daisy, who is Associate Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at UCL.  “Amidst a global pandemic, singing from the balconies, painting rainbows and streaming performances have helped to sustain hope, reduce loneliness and support mental health. The increasing use of social prescribing in the UK and internationally is a further testament to the importance of integrating medicine with creativity, culture and communities.

“The new Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health will allow us at UCL to expand its work in this fascinating and important topic and enable us to connect with and support programmes happening around the world.  Through the Collaborating Centre, we aim to bring the arts and culture into the mainstream of public health and healthcare.”