Imagine a world without art, music, film, singing, dancing, comedy or reading. It would be a very dull place. It would also prove very unhealthy. For a long time now, creative activities in the arts and humanities have offered people worldwide a kind shadow health service, a non-clinical means of maintaining or improving their health and wellbeing. But information about the potential benefits of engaging with creative activities for physical or mental health has not always been made clear.

The Arts for Health series seeks to offer a ground-breaking set of short, easy-to-read books that guide the general public caring for themselves or others, health and social care professionals and those working in charitable or community-led social and cultural initiatives on how different creative activities or practices can help people stay healthy or improve their physical and mental health.