Head of Creative Health

West of England Music and Arts (WEMA) makes music, arts and culture accessible, affordable and enjoyable for all. We enable positive outcomes for people of all ages, regardless of background or perceived ability, to help build creative, nurturing and culturally-connected communities. Working across B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and beyond, our mission is to:

• Provide progressive, high-quality music and arts education
• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Focus on improving health and wellbeing
• Forge positive and effective partnerships in music, arts and culture

Our creative health team use the power of music and creativity to support emotional wellbeing, personal development and social connection for people of all ages, particularly those facing vulnerability or challenge. As part of WEMA’s broader mission to inspire individuals and communities through music, arts and culture, Creative Health delivers a range of services that promote wellbeing, inclusion and resilience across schools, community settings, healthcare contexts and workplaces.

Our work encompasses three key strands:

• Music Therapy – Delivered by a team of qualified, HCPC‑registered music therapists, music therapy provides a clinically informed, creative intervention that supports emotional expression, communication, regulation of feelings and relationship‑building. Therapy can be delivered one‑to‑one, with families, in small groups or in school and community settings. No musical experience is required – music is used as the medium to connect, explore and support positive change. We also have growing expertise in Music and Image Therapy.
• Wellbeing Programmes – These services use music and creative activities to enhance mental health, boost resilience and foster social wellbeing. Programmes are responsive and inclusive, ranging from nurture and wellbeing groups to innovative initiatives such as Sound in Nature, and are offered in educational, community and workplace environments.
• Inclusion – We are committed to growing inclusive opportunities that ensure equitable access to creative health experiences. This includes bespoke provision for children and families with additional needs, whole‑class and whole‑school programmes, and initiatives that celebrate diversity, strengthen participation and reduce barriers to engagement.

Across all Creative Health work, we prioritise person‑centred support, meaningful connection, and the use of creative expression as a tool for wellbeing, growth and inclusion. We’re looking for a creative, strategic leader with a proven ability to innovate, develop partnerships and grow services. You will bring the vision and drive to develop new pathways, while strengthening and expanding established work, leading a vibrant and successful Creative Health team with a shared commitment to transforming the lives of children and vulnerable adults through the power of music, both in and beyond educational settings.

The postholder will provide strategic leadership for WEMA’s Creative Health offer, developing networks, partnerships and opportunities across the health, creative and education sectors. They will position WEMA as a leading partner in the region’s creative health sector, with a focus on growth, sustainability and impact. This includes:

• Driving increased engagement from schools and education settings, developing both individual interventions and whole‑school or whole‑setting therapy and wellbeing approaches.
• Ensuring WEMA is well placed to benefit from social prescribing pathways through the development of appropriate, high‑quality and innovative services.
• Developing WEMA’s reputation as a significant contributor to the regional and national creative health, therapy and wellbeing agenda.

The postholder will work closely with the Inclusion Programme Lead to ensure that inclusion, wellbeing and therapy are embedded across all WEMA delivery programmes. They will also work with the Executive Team to contribute to organisation‑wide development, strategic planning and the long‑term sustainability of WEMA’s creative health work. The role is offered at three days per week, with the option to extend to full time for a candidate with an exceptional track record in fundraising and income generation. The role is based at WEMA’s office at Little Stoke School in South Gloucestershire, with significant time spent engaging with participants, partners and stakeholders across the region.