In The Art of Wellbeing project, Stefan Escreet ran hands-on, sociable, creative sessions with groups all over Cumberland. Participants were guided through making paper puppets and inventing character biographies for them. We imagined these characters lived in the place we were in and this prompted discussion about health and wellbeing provision in that place.
Stefan recorded the contributions of participants and edited this into an audio backdrop to an exhibition of all the puppets at Rosehill Theatre in October 2025. There were over 130 puppets and they were arranged into tableaux with the puppets having fun – reflecting the fun that was had in the creative sessions.
You can hear the audio here:
Delivered in partnership with Rosehill Theatre, The Art of Wellbeing is a Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cumberland community engagement project, designed to open conversation on understanding health and wellbeing within Cumberland's communities
From college freshers fairs to community cafes, the project visited over 15 locations across Cumberland, offering free, hands-on sessions where participants of all ages could craft their own paper puppets. Beyond the crafting, the project has led to connection, meaningful conversations and reflections about mental health, physical wellbeing, and the everyday challenges people face.
Cumberland HDRC’s project officer, Lianna Barrie said;
“These sessions have been so much more than creative workshops, they’ve opened a window into the heart of Cumberland and the people who live here. Through the puppets, I’ve come to understand what it feels like to truly live in this place, and to see the good and bad through different eyes and connect with others in ways words alone couldn’t capture.”
From Cumberland Councillor Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader for Cumberland , says ‘The Art of Wellbeing has truly highlighted how creativity can unite us, inspire conversation, and build connection. Through something as simple as making a puppet, people have shared stories, laughter, and reflections about their health and happiness. This project has shown that art isn’t just about expression, it’s about togetherness, understanding, and improving wellbeing across our communities.’
The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration Cumberland is part of the NIHR and hosted by Cumberland Council. NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaborations enable local authorities to become more research-active, embedding a culture of evidence-based decision making. The NIHR has awarded £150 million to 30 HDRCs across the UK, to provide the capacity and capability for local authorities to undertake public health research to address the wider determinants of health and health inequalities. Health Determinants Research Collaboration Cumberland (HDRC) will help us better understand the health issues in our area. For more information about the HDRC, you can contact them at hdrc@cumberland.gov.uk
Ragged Edge have been delighted to continue our creative community work with the support of the HDRC and Rosehill Theatre.
