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# Theatre project transforms lives through art
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/theatre-project-transforms-lives-through-art/
- Published: 2025-02-12T13:43:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:22:01.000Z
- Description: Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Art, Photography & Film, Mental Health, #article, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), New Wolsey Theatre, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

![Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1739367635-tell-your-story-exhibition-at-new-wolsey-theatre-1.jpg)

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre Photo: Polly Alderton (New Wolsey Theatre)

**The big picture:** Tell Your Story, produced by [New Wolsey Theatre](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/new-wolsey-theatre/)'s Creative Communities team and funded by [NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/nhs-suffolk-and-north-east-essex-integrated-care-board/), brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

**What they're saying:** "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

**By the numbers:**

- 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin
- 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition
- 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

**What's happening:** A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

**The bottom line:** Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

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