In this article, Jane Willis explores why reflective practice is vital for sustaining those who create, care and lead. Drawing on her own experience and recent sector research, she reflects on the emotional toll of creative and caring work, the power of reflective spaces, and lessons from Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network’s How Ya Doing artist support programme on how reflection can restore clarity, connection and joy in our work. 

Next month marks the launch of a major new creative health resource to support the growth of hospital arts programmes across the UK. While not all projects run smoothly, this one was a joy—thanks to a remarkable collaboration with the NAHN Steering Group. Ahead of the launch, I’m sharing a few reflections on what made this process work so well. From clarity of roles to shared purpose, these insights might be useful for anyone navigating cross-sector partnerships.

For the past five years, I’ve been part of The Copse - a creative writing peer group with three brilliant colleagues I met during my master’s. This peer group has grown into a valuable space for learning, reflection, and mutual support. It has shaped and sustained our practices in ways we never expected. I hope sharing our story encourages others to form their own communities of practice.

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the work I want to do in the year ahead. Ideas are beginning to take shape as I listen to my body—tuning into what feels energizing and aligned. Then comes the dreaming stage: How would I love it to be? What might this look like? And finally, the planning: What steps can I take to make it happen?

How to Use Reflective Writing to Reclaim Your Time. Managing a constant stream of deadlines has felt a like a game of whack-a-mole; as soon as I tick one off the list, another pops up.  

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

The Library of Ideas, a co-produced community project by artists Davis & Jones curated for the library at Bristol’s Junction Three community hub by Willis Newson. Photo Max McClure.