CHWA Awards 2025

The CHWA Awards 2025 took place on 23rd April 2025. A recording of the event will soon be available on our You Tube Channel.

Thank you to everyone who applied or nominated people for the CHWA Awards 2025. The awards are a chance for us to reflect, celebrate and champion the fantastic work going on across the country. It was a privilege to see the sheer variety and standard of work coming in this year.

We're pleased to announce the winners below. Each winner will receive a bespoke physical award, designed and made by artist Ric Raithby.

Collective Power Award, in partnership with Ideas Alliance and The Lived Experience Network

WINNER: The Knife Angel Project

The Knife Angel project shows the power of community collaboration in addressing serious challenges to youth health and wellbeing. It brought together diverse organisations with young people who had direct involvement in knife crime and serious youth violence. The project focused on those whose risky behaviours were severely impacting their own wellbeing and that of their families and communities. Through co-produced creative responses to the Knife Angel sculpture, participants developed powerful spoken word and rap pieces, performing at the installation launch. The project's success led to a year-long engagement, evolving into an album launch, series of performances, professional development and peer advocacy.

"The panel were really moved by the ability of this project to bring a community together in difficult times. The use of music and performance to shift the perspective of the community meant that these young people have gone from being perceived as risks, to valued partners and leaders for change. The impacts are wide ranging, touching not just the participants but their families and friends, and the commitment to working together effectively to address complex needs from all partners, make this a fantastic example of Collective Power. "

Collective Power Award Shortlist

Collective Power Award, in partnership with Ideas Alliance and The Lived Experience Network

Group of people standing in a circle with their hands in the air

A Rehearsal for Life

A Rehearsal For Life is an arts intervention tool providing learning disabled teenagers and adults scenarios via Forum Theatre to confront, analyse and physically step into encounters that are pertinent to them in order to build skills, confidence and resilience. Based on real-life experiences provided to us by members of The Snappy Trust and Camphill Village Trust, A Rehearsal for Life provided challenging scenarios exploring fear, boundaries, safety and relationships, which participants are asked to improve or give advice on; stepping into the drama themselves to practice those interactions, to embed that learning in their own daily experiences.

Two dancers with their backs to camera, one with their arm around the other

Wanna Dance?

Wanna Dance? creates dancing opportunities with people with Profound Intellectual & Multiple Disabilities (PIMD). The project asks IF participants would like to dance and if so, how that dance might be? Delivered in partnership with Vivo Care Choices the project champions creativity as a human right, and the right for everyone to take part in creative activities. Wanna Dance? is an Artist in Residence programme running across three Adult Day Centres in Cheshire West. The residencies involve dance artists Ruth Spencer and Jane McLean dancing 1:1 with members of the day centre communities. The project also supports care staff in developing skills and understanding to incorporate more movement into their daily care.

A phto and text collage

The Addiction Recovery Arts Network

The ARA Network connects groups, individuals, and stakeholders in the recovery arts sector through its Performing Recovery magazine, conferences, and presence at key events. ARA Network emerged from informal conversations that took place between the key England-based addiction recovery arts organisations: Portraits of Recovery, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, small performance adventures, New Note Orchestra, Geese Theatre, Outside Edge Theatre Company, The Outsiders Project and Theatre Royal Plymouth. ARA's network is England based but includes artists and groups from USA and Antigua. All of the Editorial Board have first hand lived experience of addiction.

Man in blue shirt with arms in the air. Man with guitar in the background

Rikard Osterlund

Medway Veterans Social Mornings

The project addressed lack of access to specialist advice services for veterans in Medway, experiencing isolation and loneliness . A process of co-development with Citizens Advice Medway Veterans First, funding was secured from the Utley Foundation to work together to respond jointly with respective expertise and specialisms. We then developed relationships with existing veterans networks, through a breakfast club, meeting and getting to know veterans, gauging interest, and asking what they would like to do and where. This led to a series of three social/participatory music events with veterans, friends/family members, at the Royal Engineers Museum.

Powering Up

Powering Up is a bold, innovative, creative project inspiring a ‘movement’ of social change through personal development and transformation of young people and clinicians working together. A partnership between WHAM, One to One Development Trust and The Canal project, 'Powering Up' develops a method for health systems improvement that decolonises knowledge production, challenges power dynamics, and provides mechanisms for increased agency and empowerment, through the power of creative approaches to system redesign. Powering Up explores what holistic health looks like and how creative co-production between young people, clinicians and creatives new ways to radically reimage healthcare can be forged.

Healthy People and Planet Award, in partnership with The Happy Museum and Culture Declares Emergency

WINNER: House of Fairy Tales, The Great Imagining

House of Fairy Tales: The Great Imagining

The Great Imagining is a project by The House of Fairy Tales who have delivered learning adventures for young people, their families and communities since 2008. Transforming communities at a time of climate and ecological emergency, The Great Imagining works at the intersection of young people, climate change and the Arts to explore the possibilities offered by the multiple crises of our time. Following pilots through newspapers, exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, classrooms, university courses and a district council, we are developing a public education programme with schools at its heart, led by artists, scientists and experts and working with community groups and local creatives.

"The panel were really impressed with the variety of outputs and the sheer impacts of this project. They felt that the place based co-creation and focus on children and young people being leaders and key decision makers made it particularly effective, and the impacts of the work have now spread internationally, making on the ground impact in areas where the effects of climate breakdown are particularly felt. "

Healthy People and Planet Shortlist

Healthy People and Planet Award, in partnership with The Happy Museum and Culture Declares Emergency

Two images of young people and two images of film equipment on a pink background

Barnsley Libraries

Barnsley Libraries: Change is Coming

Change is Coming is a film that tackles climate anxiety and turns it into positive climate action which was co-produced by Barnsley Libraries, Fly Girl Films and young people in Barnsley for Green Libraries Week 2024. The library worked with a panel of young people from Barnsley Youth Council to write a brief, score and select a project of their interest for Green Libraries Week. They chose to create a film which opened up new experiences to the young people involved and new creative ways to explore their climate anxieties as well as educate their peers on what they could do to combat these issues. The project culminated in a premier of Change is Coming on the big screen at the Parkway Cinema. This included a Q and A with participants where they shared their thoughts on the filming process and how this had eased their climate anxieties.

A portrait image. A pink fabric banner that reads 'Drag Declares Emergency Glean Hope' in green fabric letters. Paper mythical beasts surround the banner, created by workshop attendees. The banner is attached to a wooden sign that reads 'Drag is Folk'

Drag Declares Emergency

Inspired by Culture Declares Emergency, Drag Declares Emergency is a collaboration between drag houses, climate justice activists and LGBTQIA+ community groups across England. The project asks: How can drag support the wellbeing of queer people and the health of Planet Earth? DDE is led by Disabled sculptor and Drag King Lady Kitt, the project began in 2020 and has evolved and developed in scale over four years. The project has included online exhibitions, eco activism and costume making workshops, one to one mentoring and original musical composition.

An outdoor garden space with a building in the background and people sitting around a table

Nene Nursery: Social, Therapeutic and Horticultural Crafts for Wellbeing

Nene Nursery is a new outdoor space within Nene Park in Peterborough. The space was created using recycled, repurposed and natural materials and structures, rain harvesting, composting and has an accessible compost toilet. Textured pathways, different height plant beds, ramps and seating, and sensory activities, with lots of break out spaces with a range of seating for those preferring time to themselves, creating an accessible and inclusive space. With a safe and welcoming space for participants who might not feel confident accessing the wide-open spaces of the park, the project also allows local residents on an early intervention scheme the chance to enjoy green spaces and activities.

Two white women hanging from rope in mid air

Black Cravat Photographic Imaging

Gossamer Thread Circus: FERAL

From award-winning circus company Gossamer Thread Circus: FERAL is a show featuring aerial circus, physical theatre, narrated prose-poetry and a bespoke soundscape. It draws on our connection with the land, natural cycles, folklore and ritual, spinning new stories that speak to a possible future of hope, connection and community. Through performance, workshops and discussion, FERAL takes the audience on a journey of re-membering our place within the more-than-human systems that support us and invites us to re-mythologise the landscape.

Two women in hijabs doing craft activity

Oldham Library: Speak English Together Group

Oldham Library’s Speak English Together groups worked collaboratively with artist Lynn Setterington from Manchester Metropolitan University, to engage with creative textile arts and produce individual maps of Oldham homes and surrounding communities, and a large collaborative map of the world which shows rising ocean temperatures. These maps were hand stitched using strands of waste debris netting from construction sites in a wonderful variety of vibrant colours. Seven unique pieces were created with recycled materials introducing the subject of sustainability and environmentalism, whilst providing a welcoming environment and creative activities.

Practising Well Award, in partnership with Nicola Naismith

WINNER - Supporting Freelancers: Tracy Breathnach and team for How Ya Doing?

Tracy has designed and led the How Ya Doing? artist wellbeing programme since 2019. The programme has directly increased wellbeing for over 200 artists working in participatory settings across Wales. Tracy has taken this a step further to consider how arts organisations can change the culture around wellbeing, so that wellbeing is put at the centre of how they approach the work. Working with a team of freelance trainers, this has culminated in a new 2-day training course in Reflective Practice Facilitation for 13 creative practitioners to deliver reflective practice to support artists’ wellbeing, and a 1-day training course for organisations to develop their ‘Strategies for Wellbeing.'

"This project stood out for the impressive levels of consultation and how the project has grown over time and been shaped by the artists feedback. The areas of impact were clear on both individual and organisational/structural levels, and the panel felt it was doing vital work in changing the landscape of creative health in Wales. This projects responsiveness, commitment to learning and growth, and impact on the wider sector all helped demonstrate a person-centred and sustainable approach."

WINNER - Supporting Staff: Next Door But One

Next Door But One pride themselves on inclusive practice. They cannot make inclusive participatory arts provisions for their community if they don’t create equitably inclusive practices that support the team to bring their full selves into work. These include: • A Wellbeing Officer on every project. • Access Requirement Forms provided at contracting • Access Budget: to provide acute support that benefits the team team; emergency childcare, extra travel support to help fatigue conditions etc • Proactive Flexible Working: annualized hours so that they have autonomy in when they work their hours and can sustain a positive work life balance.

"The panel loved how embedded the wellbeing support felt in this nomination. They particularly liked the inclusion of a Supportive Working Ethos, and that the wellbeing support was held by someone external to the organisation. The focus on impacting the wider sector through workshops, training and case studies was particularly impressive and ensured that the benefits go beyond those directly working with the organisation."

HIGHLY COMMENDED - SUPPORTING FREELANCERS: Sue Loughlin for MOTHEROTHER

HIGHLY COMMENDED - SUPPORTING STAFF: Changing Relations

Practising Well Award Shortlist

A white shaven headed human has a big smile wears a headdress made of huge multi coloured flowers and a black long sleeved shirt on which white and orange text reads “ queer crip craft power”

Lady Kitt for their mentoring practice

Lady Kitts wellbeing support includes access information and check-ins at the beginning of a session to allow mentees to discuss what they'd like to focus on, and breathing exercises and physical warmups to settle in. One of the most impactful aspects are the detailed ‘prescriptions’ Kitt sends out after each session. These documents outline everything discussed, along with links to further information or research relevant to the mentees arts practice, allowing mentees to absorb the information at their own pace.

A group of people standing in front of a white background

Changing Relations CIC

Changing Relations

Changing Relations work is always made with care, kindness and equality at the heart of the project. All freelance practitioners are offered Artist Supervision sessions with an experienced counsellor to talk through the topics of the work or support generally with wellbeing. Regular team check ins and training opportunities and regular evaluative action ensures everyone feels supported and on track. They ensure the right support staff and professionals are in the room and there is aftercare and wrap around support for all of the creative activities including sign posting to services, follow up workshops and explorations and spaces to talk.

A white woman with short blonde hair and glasses, holding a paintbrush and palette

UCLH Arts and Heritage for their Freelance Care Charter

The UCLH Arts and Heritage team introduced a Care Charter to freelancers this year. The Care Charter is a living document in which freelancers individually get to describe their work and agree on what is expected of them and of UCLH A&H. Sections of the Care Charter includes responsibilities of the role, access requirements, self-care and professional development requirements and communication preferences. Through creating and maintaining this agreement, UCLH A&H has legitimized their work and ensured the role is valued within the hospital ecosystem.

A multicoloured drawing of plants and flowers

hoot creative arts

hoot creative arts for Creative Space

hoot has over 10 years’ experience delivering music and singing activities that support relational practice in criminal justice settings across the North and South of England. Their skilled artist team works across these settings, delivering music-making activities, including harmony singing, songwriting, music technology, rhythm, and composition. A key part of their practitioner wellbeing innovation includes relational training and impactful reflective practice sessions for creatives. These sessions were originally woven into the Creative Space model and have now been integrated into OPDP work, ensuring continued support for artists working in these environments.

Fice people sitting arms raised against a striped background

Next Door But One

Next Door But One pride themselves on inclusive practice. They cannot make inclusive participatory arts provisions for their community if they don’t create equitably inclusive practices that support the team to bring their full selves into work. These include: • A Wellbeing Officer on every project. • Access Requirement Forms provided at contracting • Access Budget: to provide acute support that benefits the team team; emergency childcare, extra travel support to help fatigue conditions etc • Proactive Flexible Working: annualized hours so that they have autonomy in when they work their hours and can sustain a positive work life balance.

Changing Relations

Changing Relation’s board regularly evaluates their care-based approach, assessing its impact across their whole practice, and also ensures that the Managing Director gets required support. They offer supervision with an experienced, external, supervisor along with regular workforce check-ins (at points agreed with them, in their preferred format) for all workforce (including board). All delivery sessions are followed by a debrief. At the start of each project workforce discuss their needs and preferences and how these can be met – this gives a kick start to an informal, peer-based support network, setting expectation that care is mutual, NOT done to you.

A pile of colourful paper shapes with cut out words and sentences

People United

People Uniteds creative programme asks, how we take care of ourselves, each other and the world around us and the challenge of centring care in a productivity centred world. They commissioned socially engaged artists to work with isolated community members in their home; wellbeing was the focus of the entire project however staff, participant, and artist. This was supported through their ethos of radical care and slow intentional relationship building. Artists were paid for all time spent preparing for community conversations, connecting with each other, and giving feedback. A designated session was held for the artists to meet the team and artists had support of a Community Producer, a trauma informed staff member and Mental Health First Aider.

Bradford Culture Company

BCC is a supportive and collaborative workplace. Regular wellbeing check-ins with staff led to the creation of a quiet, beautiful wellbeing breakout room facilitating meaningful screen breaks away from the office hustle & bustle. The attention to detail, includes adaptable lighting, soft seating, things to read and mindful colouring. Staff are encouraged to socialise and to take proper breaks, with monthly birthday celebration and seasonal food sharing events in the office kitchen space.

The 2025 Judges

Alongside the core team at CHWA, each application will be read and reviewed by a team of panellists with lived expertise and experience of the creative health sector. Confirmed judges include:

Nicola Naismith, visual artist, researcher and lecturer
Hilary Jennings, The Happy Museum
Victoria Burns, Culture Declares Emergency
Helen Sharp, Ideas Alliance
Richard McMann, Member of the Lived Experience Network
Ruth Flanagan, Artist and member of the Lived Experience Network
Bibi Aya, freelance artist and member of the Lived Experience Network
Maz Koshika, creative facilitator, educator and drag king
Amy Langdown, writer, facilitator and artist
Eilidh Inara, artist and storyteller
Manal Aldabbagh, coach, educator and expressive movement facilitator

Previous Awards winners and shortlist

2022 Award winners and shortlist

2021 Award winners and shortlist

2020 Award winners and shortlist

You can read a blog from previous award-winner Performing Medicine here.