Final Spaces Remaining! Sign up by 24.04.26
Fully funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority
29 April 2026 – 9:00 to 16:00
Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn
👉 Book your place:
Creatively Healthy Schools Conference – Fill in form
Northumberland schools are invited to a vibrant, practical day exploring how creativity can strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and engagement for children and young people – see attached flyer.
Designed for Headteachers, SLT, SMHLs, SENDCos, Creative Curriculum Leads, and anyone passionate about creativity and whole‑school wellbeing.
Who will be speaking on the day:
We are delighted to welcome a wide range of contributors, including:
- Siobhan Leen (Health Improvement Practitioner) & Sunil Bhopal (Consultant Community Paediatrician, Northumbria NHS & Director of Child Health Research, Born in Bradford)
What is Creative Health?
A powerful opening session exploring what creative health really means, why creative wellbeing can fade as children grow, and how schools can nurture creativity to support learning, connection and whole‑school culture. - Jess Kinnersley (Artist–Facilitator)
Creative Journaling: Everyday Play
A gentle, hands‑on session showing how simple creative journaling can spark curiosity, playfulness and creative confidence for both adults and children. - Dr Simon Hackett (Newcastle University & CNTW NHS Foundation Trust)
The Triple ‘A’: Accessibility and Acceptability of Arts‑Based Approaches
An engaging look at why arts‑based approaches are so effective – particularly for children and young people with neurodiversity, communication needs or learning differences. - Emma Holleywell (Be You MHST) & David Francis (Northumberland Music)
Finding Our Voice: How Singing Supports Belonging and Wellbeing
Exploring the science and lived experience behind group singing as a powerful tool for regulation, connection and inclusion in schools. - Professor Chris Drinkwater
Creative Health and Social and Emotional Learning
A clear and accessible overview of the role creative health plays in social and emotional learning and long‑term wellbeing. - Viv Robinson (Occupational Therapist), Caitlin Tubby (Assistant Educational Psychologist) & Be You MHST
Understanding Our Social World: The Road Map to Creativity
Exploring fixed and flexible thinking, communication and vulnerability, and how these shape creativity, inclusion and learning in everyday classroom life. - Darren Holleywell (Create Berwick & Amped Berwick CIC)
Making Space to Create
A relaxed, participatory music session showing how shared creative activity builds confidence, connection and emotional regulation. - Amanda Bennett (Headteacher, Seaton Sluice First School)
Singing School – The Heartbeat of Our School
A warm, school‑led story of how singing has become part of daily life, supporting wellbeing, motivation and a strong sense of belonging. - Philip Pallas (Deputy Headteacher & Senior Mental Health Lead, Stead Lane Primary School)
MELVA in PSHE
How MELVA has supported pupils’ emotional wellbeing, reduced stigma around mental health and given staff a shared language and approach. - Kiz Crosbie (Artistic Director & CEO, Mortal Fools)
Creativity and Staff Wellbeing
A thoughtful and practical exploration of creativity as a protective factor for staff wellbeing, resilience and sustainable school practice. - Duchess Community High School, Northumberland Music & Annelise Nicklen
Finding Their Rhythm / In Step: A Ceilidh Experience
A lively combination of performance and participation, showcasing how an inclusive school ceilidh band and shared dance experience build confidence, connection, joy and wellbeing through music and movement. - Dr Helen Tamworth (NCC & Be you Educational Psychologist) and Rebecca Lowes (Trainee Educational Psychologist)
Lego Therapy
An engaging introduction to Lego‑based therapeutic work and how structured play supports communication, emotional expression and social connection. Free Lego kit to take away for all schools. - Heather Corlett (Former Deputy Director For Children and Young Person’s Transformation ICB), Martin Wilson (Arts and Creativity Advisor for NENC)
Creative Health Next Steps
A forward‑looking session exploring local creative health pathways, projects and awards, and how schools can get involved in the next stage of this work.
👉 Book your place:
Creatively Healthy Schools Conference – Fill in form
Beyou@northumberland.gov.uk
