West Kent Mind’s ‘Creative Minds’, selected as a winner at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards 2025

We are proud to announce that our Creative Minds programme has been named a winner at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards 2025. These awards celebrate individuals and organisations across the county who are making a positive difference in mental health, kindness, and wellbeing across communities, businesses, education, and charities.
This recognition highlights Creative Minds’ ongoing commitment to supporting mental health through creativity, collaboration, and innovative projects that help people express themselves and build meaningful connections.
Delivered by West Kent Mind wellbeing workers and volunteers, in partnership with professional artists and arts organisations, the 6-month engagements offer a wide range of creative sessions in community venues. Engagements have included silk painting, Dungeons & Dragons, puppet making, and cooking, to name just a few.
Julie Neville, Programme Lead, said,
“Creative Minds embodies the spirit of these awards by showing how creativity can be a powerful force for mental wellbeing. The programme not only provides opportunities for self-expression and social connection but also builds an incredible sense of community. We see that first-hand in every engagement, and we couldn’t be prouder of the positive impact it’s having.”
In 2024/25, Creative Minds also introduced a unique pathway – Creative Agents – for participants to develop their artistic practice and professional skills once engagements finished. Twenty five individuals went on to expand their creative portfolios while also gaining the tools to promote their work, lead workshops, and inspire others embarking on their own creative journeys.
Paul, a Creative Minds participant, said,
“You get a sense of belonging and learn so much. I honestly think without programmes like this, the world would be a much worse place.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 24 October 2025, at the Ashford International Hotel, where winners from across Kent will gather to celebrate achievements in mental health and wellbeing.
For more information about Creative Minds and its engagements please click here.
With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for its generous support, and to Bexley and East Kent Mind for hosting the awards.