The psychological benefits of culture.

Andy Haldane, the chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts and former chief economist at the Bank of England - has suggested the chancellor should invest in - arts projects that enhance a sense of wellbeing. He thinks that the Tony Blair, government invested in things like: The Eden project in Cornwall, the Wales Millennium Centre, Glasgow Science Centre and the Millennium Dome, now the O2 Arena. They have together created a sense of - wellbeing and have direct benefits on physical and mental health. There is a clear connection between the two. We have a serious social problem of so many people suffering psychological distress. The health service cannot cope with the current demands. It’s therefore cost effective to make these investments - in cultural projects. Will Rachel Reeves, be listening? Wes Streeting, the health secretary should press the chancellor to make the necessary changes in social policy. It will save the government money in the long term. For too long departments have lived in - siloes where they fight for their particular department - but this adds to the dysfunction of the larger society. Work together, should be the new mantra of the Starmer administration.