Creativity and Wellbeing Week is an open festival held all across the UK that advocates joining the dots between culture, creativity, health and wellbeing. It’s part of a movement that believes that creative arts should be “a core part of how we look after our health and wellbeing”.
At the BSO we’re lucky enough to see the positive effects of music-making on health and wellbeing every day, from smiles on faces and self-reported improvements in mood to the sense of community and the confidence gained from engagement with music. It is evident that taking part in shared music-making can significantly improve people’s quality of life.
Alongside our wonderful partner organisations and BSO Associate Musicians – a team of community music leaders who live and work in communities throughout the South West – we’re delighted to share music each week in schools and hospitals and within communities across the region.
As we celebrate Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2025 here are the events we have coming up across the South West this week…
Bristol Recovery Orchestra, in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project (Mon 19 May)
Those affected by problematic drug or alcohol come together to play and perform music in a safe and supportive environment, in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project Creative Communities.
Boscombe Community Orchestra, in partnership with Boscombe Emerging Arts Festival (Tues 20 May)
A community music-making group working at TOSH in Boscombe as part of BSO’s Boscombe Projects in collaborating with Dorset Safe and Sound, Boscombe Emerging Arts Festival, Health Sciences University and local schools gives access to music making opportunities to everyone.
Explore the Orchestra Schools Concerts, Poole (Tue 20 & Wed 21 May)
Concerts designed for KS2 students introduce the orchestra and all its instruments, as well as encompassing a special participatory song.
Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra, in partnership with Ark at Egwood, Chard Watch and The Octagon (Wed 21 May)
A creative musical group for wellbeing develops participants’ musical skills and melodic ideas, enabling creative music making in a supportive community.
Music in Hospitals, in partnership with Arts In Hospital, Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare (Wed 21 May)
A year-round programme with patients, staff and families designed to support stroke recovery, older people living with dementia and children and young people’s mental health.
Bodmin Wellbeing Orchestra, in partnership with Mind Cornwall (Wed 21 May)
A support-led programme focusing on music-making to positively impact participants’ mental health and wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment.
Dementia Friendly Tea Dance, in partnership with The Old School House, Boscombe Emerging Ars Festival and the NHS Dementia team (Thu 22 May)
A dementia friendly tea dance to bring respite and stimulation, reduce isolation, support carers and improve well-being. This social dance event combines dancing and music with afternoon tea and refreshments.
Exeter Community Family Orchestra, in partnership with Exeter University (Sun 25 May)
An inclusive multi-generational group, which promotes shared experiences across generations and provides a musical family for those living on their own.
BSO Senior Programme Manager, Sue Sharpe said, “This week of activity is reflective of BSO Participate’s ongoing Creative Health programmes which take place all over the South West throughout the year. To everyone who takes part in our music making sessions across the region, a very big thank you for your creativity, your commitment and your passion, as well as the immense joy you give to us. Your work with us is everything.”