Celebrating our Havens Project: A Creative Collaboration with NHS Lothian Staff

By Dr Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager

Tonic Arts Network: 11 March 2025

It was fantastic to connect with so many of you at our recent Tonic Arts Network Event! We had a wonderful session delving into the power of creative participatory projects, focusing on the inspiring Havens project developed in partnership with our dedicated NHS Lothian staff and in collaboration with our Green Health colleagues.

For those who couldn’t join us on the day, here is a recap of the insightful discussions and key takeaways from the event.

A real highlight was hearing directly from the incredibly talented artists behind the Havens project, award-winning photographers and writers Craig Easton and Lottie Davies. They offered a fascinating artist’s perspective on their 18-month journey, capturing the diverse stories of over 75 NHS Lothian staff members across a multitude of roles and locations.

What truly resonated was how Craig and Lottie’s residency went beyond simply taking portraits. They fostered genuine engagement through photography and creative writing workshops, empowering staff to find their own artistic voices and express their experiences in new ways. This collaborative approach was central to the project’s success.

We were also privileged to hear from Jamie Martin, Senior Charge Nurse at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Jamie shared his personal experience of being involved in the project at various stages. From contributing to the artist selection process to sharing his own unique haven with Craig and Lottie and ultimately being photographed for the powerful portrait series, Jamie’s insights underscored the profound impact of this initiative from a staff member’s perspective.

The event sparked a lively and engaging discussion amongst attendees about future participatory projects. There was a real buzz around ideas for creatively representing patient journeys, opportunities for staff to learn new creative skills, and the importance of providing accessible outlets for staff expression and creativity. It was inspiring to hear the enthusiasm and innovative thinking within our network.

Key Takeaways from the Event:

Two-Way Learning: The Havens project beautifully illustrated how participation and learning are reciprocal. Craig and Lottie gained invaluable insights into the working lives of NHS Lothian staff, developing a deep appreciation for the extraordinary individuals who make up the organisation.
A Unique Opportunity for Staff: Jamie’s experience highlighted the unique opportunity the project provided for staff to collaborate directly with internationally acclaimed artists, even influencing the project from its inception.
Creativity is for Everyone: A powerful message emerged: even those who might initially think “I’m not creative” can find meaningful and enjoyable ways to participate in creative projects. There are so many ways to participate, enjoy creative projects and explore their creativity.
The Power of Shared Stories: There’s a clear value in sharing the experiences of NHS staff and having these represented through photography and words in diverse settings – whether it’s an outdoor exhibition, a city centre gallery, or within the hospital environment itself. This visibility fosters understanding and appreciation.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Tonic Arts Network events:

Spotlight on Resources to Help Staff Improve Their Spaces: 10 June 2025. Keep an eye out for invitations with meeting links coming soon.
In-Person Network Gathering in Collaboration with Green Health: 13th May 2025. We’re excited about this collaboration and will be sharing more details very soon.

We hope this summary provides a good overview of our recent Tonic Arts Network Event. Your engagement and ideas are invaluable to us. If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to connect further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of the team.