Newcastle University-led project Sharing Stories for Wellbeing Explores How Creativity Can Improve Children’s Health and Emotional Resilience

Newcastle University-led project Sharing Stories for Wellbeing Explores How Creativity Can Improve Children’s Health and Emotional Resilience

(IN BRIEF) Newcastle University’s Dr Emily Murphy is leading a pioneering project, Sharing Stories for Wellbeing, to explore how creative activities can improve the health and emotional wellbeing of children with long-term medical conditions. With the number of children living with life-limiting illnesses increasing by 40% since 2001, and another 20% rise expected by 2030, the research highlights the urgent need for creative interventions in healthcare. The initiative includes interactive workshops at the Great North Museum: Hancock and the Hatton Gallery featuring storytelling, artefact handling, and creative play tailored to children’s needs. Dr Murphy calls for creative health practices to be prioritised nationally rather than treated as supplementary. The project seeks to reshape children’s health policies and improve the overall hospital experience for young patients.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEWCASTLE, 27-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new research project led by Dr Emily Murphy at Newcastle University is exploring how creativity can positively influence the health and wellbeing of children living with long-term medical conditions. The initiative, titled Sharing Stories for Wellbeing, aims to reimagine how children’s healthcare services integrate creative methods to improve emotional and psychological support for young patients.

Across the UK, the number of children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses continues to rise—up by 40% between 2001 and 2018, with projections suggesting a further 20% increase by 2030. Research shows that children with chronic physical conditions are four times more likely to experience mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for holistic care that addresses both body and mind.

Dr Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Children’s Literature in Newcastle University’s School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, believes creativity must move from the periphery to the heart of healthcare policy and practice.

“There is a lot of amazing work going on in hospitals across the UK to support young people,” said Dr Murphy. “But national funding continues to overlook the creative methods we know make a real difference. We need to make creative approaches to healthcare a top priority, not just an added extra.”

The Sharing Stories for Wellbeing project is already underway with a series of creative workshops taking place during the October half-term at the Great North Museum: Hancock and the Hatton Gallery. Open to children aged four to eleven who have long-term health conditions requiring hospital care, and their families, these sessions feature multisensory storytelling, opportunities to handle museum artefacts, and creative activities tailored to individual needs. The workshops not only offer a supportive space for children and families but also contribute to the wider research by gathering insights that will inform future healthcare strategies.

The project represents a key step toward embedding creative health approaches within national children’s health services—bridging the gap between medical care and emotional wellbeing. Interested families and supporters can learn more or register for sessions at www.sharingstoriesforwellbeing.org
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Media Contact:

Jen Middleton
Director of Communications
Email: jen.middleton@newcastle.ac.uk

SOURCE: Newcastle University