Making art is part of what it means to be human. We have been doing it since prehistoric times for mysterious, sacred, and socially complex reasons. What we know for sure is that making art can benefit both our mental and physical wellbeing in a huge number of ways - and that we don’t even have to be good at it to reap the rewards. Here are just five of the ways making art can be good for us.

1. Art can help our recovery if we are unwell and it can help us to stay healthier and happier for longer. Making art contributes to leading an expressive, fulfilling, and creative life.
2. Creativity helps to stimulate our mind and keep our brain active. It can help to boost our concentration, reminisce about our past and retain our memories.
3. Making art relieves stress and anxiety. It provides new sensory experiences and focuses our attention away from our daily worries.
4. Making art can boost our self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. It allows us to explore new things in a safe space and teaches us that it is okay to make mistakes along the way.
5. Art brings us together. When being creative with others we feel less isolated and more connected as a community. Art helps us to communicate things that are sometimes too difficult to put into words.

As the number of people living in care homes rises, the need for participatory arts activities becomes ever more important to ensure that residents stay healthy, happy and connected. The evidence supports the need for arts in care but we need to make it happen, and that’s where this guide comes in…

• Download the Creative Care Homes digital A-Z guide