About Ruth
I am an artist and advocate. I am passionate about using the arts to enhance my own and others' wellbeing. I believe that Arts engagement can help with the self-management of illness and I want to share my lived experience to empower people to manage their own wellbeing.
Since a young age, I have been exploring my own creativity to manage and process my experiences of childhood cancer and a second diagnosis as an adult. I use photography, printmaking and sculpture. I am always eager to explore new materials and ideas!
I am proud to be one of the Champions for The Lived Experience Network (LENs) in the north west striving to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience remain at the heart of the arts, health and wellbeing movement.
I have an MA in Arts Health and Wellbeing and have worked as an art teacher in the UK and abroad.
In previous volunteer work I won the Richard Hambro award for Inspiring Leaders in the North West.
"I believe the arts shouldn’t be an extra or little luxury – but something that is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives" Ruth Flanagan