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Social Biobehavioural Research Group

@ucl-sbb.bsky.social
323 followers 296 following 252 posts

Research Group & WHO Collaborating Centre based at the Department Behavioural Science & Health at UCL, led by Prof Daisy Fancourt, investigating how social factors affect health.

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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 5h
Interested in #SocialPrescribing for children and young people? Join our next Social Prescribing Youth Network (#SPYN) event to learn about the network & available resources. 📍 Online 📅 21 Oct, 12-1pm BST 🎟️ Free tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-pre...
eventbrite.co.uk
Social Prescribing Youth Network: Introduction & Resources
Learn about SPYN's latest and upcoming work, our resources, and connect with members!
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
📣 Applications for the Arts Health Research Intensive 2027 are now OPEN! #AHRI27 Interested in #ArtsInHealth? Join us for an immersive week of developing knowledge, skills & contacts! 🗓 14 – 18 June 2027 📍 London, UK Find out more and apply to join the next cohort: sbbresearch.org/arts-health-...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Interested in current approaches to analysing large qualitative datasets? Register for October’s Monthly Methods Webinar: “Analysing Big Qualitative Data: Current Methods and Future Directions”. 🎙️Dr Norha Vera San Juan & Dr Sam Martin 📅 22 Oct, 1-2pm (GMT+1) 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-epi-...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It's Youth Mental Health Day #YMHD2026! Read our recent blog to hear what our Youth Advisory Group think about #SocialPrescribing – its potential to support health & wellbeing, plus how to increase its accessibility & sustainability 📝 🔗 sbbresearch.org/young-people...
A title reads: "A call to action…". Colourful speech bubbles share quotes from members of the Youth Advisory Group, discussing the potential of social prescribing. The SPYN and SBB logos are featured.
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Alexandre Piot @alexpiot.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
New paper out: loneliness and social isolation predict different patterns of pain medication use transitions in older adults. doi.org/10.1038/s415... with Daisy Fancourt, Mikaela Bloomberg, Andrew Steptoe & Feifei Bu at UCL
doi.org
Loneliness and social isolation as predictors of pain medication use transitions in older adults - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Loneliness and social isolation as predictors of pain medication use transitions in older adults
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
📣Two weeks until our next Monthly Methods Webinar! This month we will be hearing from Dr Jess Bone on “What do people do all day? Exploring time trends and daily patterns of health-enhancing behaviours through time use surveys.”. 📅 29th Sept, 12-1pm (GMT+1) 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-epi-...
A blue graphic with the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo and the text "GRACE-Epi Monthly Methods: Jess Bone". A photo of Jess Bone appears in a bubble.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#SocialPrescribing is expanding in the US but the evidence is difficult to combine. Our new EpiArts Lab study has developed a set of key common outcomes for social prescribing research 🎯 Authors: Jill Sonke, Nicole Morgan, Daisy Fancourt. www.frontiersin.org/journals/pub...
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Identifying key outcomes for social prescribing research in the US: a Delphi method study
The US has a history of using social prescribing (SP) to address social determinants of health. Recently, and in alignment with global trends, more SP progra...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Upcoming online event: building the economic business case for creative health! 📅 Thursday 22 October, 12:00-1:30pm 💡 Featuring Dr Feifei Bu and the @mobcommassets.bsky.social team www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-t...
eventbrite.co.uk
Building the economic business case for creative health
Creative health economics: new guidance on economic evaluation in creative health
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Academy of Social Sciences @acadsocsciences.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New Fellow Prof Daisy Fancourt is Prof of Psychobiology & Epidemiology at @ucl.ac.uk! Daisy's research explores how social connections, community engagement & the arts shape our health & wellbeing. She is also UNESCO Chair in Arts & Global Health. acss.org.uk/news/the-aca...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Prof Daisy Fancourt has been elected as a Fellow of the @acadsocsciences.bsky.social! Selection is made through an independent peer review which recognises excellence, impact and substantial contributions to social science for public benefit 🎓
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
New guidance available on #CreativeHealth Economics! 📈 Take a look at the latest outputs from the MCA Creative Health Economics Team, which includes Head of our Research Group Professor Daisy Fancourt 👇
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Can #SocialPrescribing support young people while they wait for mental health care? Our September Newsletter covers this, plus: 🇪🇺 Our role in the new European Culture and Health Hub 💬 Fresh blogs from our Youth Advisory Group & team members 👉 Upcoming events & more! mailchi.mp/ucl/sbb-sept...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
This week we were delighted to be joined by the GRACE-Epi Investigators at UCL for a collaborative week, discussing key learnings from recent workshops exploring #Arts, #Health & #Ageing across different cultural contexts, plus epidemiological work in the pipeline! 🔗 sbbresearch.org/projects/gra...
Photograph of the GRACE-Epi team.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Prof Daisy Fancourt is appearing at events across the country, internationally and online to speak about her book #ArtCure! 📚 Check out the latest photos from the Edinburgh International Book Festival 📸 Browse all upcoming event listings on our website: sbbresearch.org/projects/art...
Prof Daisy Fancourt signs copies of Art Cure in a bookshop. Prof Daisy Fancourt speaks on stage at the Edinburgh Festival.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
🌟 New SBB Spotlight 🌟 We're featuring Nikita Arslanovski, Research Programmes & Engagement Officer Read the interview to learn about: 🧩 Behind the scenes of coordinating the Arts Health Research Intensive 💡 Lessons from the Social Prescribing Youth Network 🔗 sbbresearch.org/sbb-spotligh...
sbbresearch.org
SBB Spotlight: Nikita Arslanovski - SBB
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
📣 Introducing the European Culture and Health Hub (ECHH)! We’re excited to be working on this new programme dedicated to strengthening and advancing the field of arts, culture, health, and wellbeing across Europe. 🔗 Read more here: sbbresearch.org/projects/echh/
A teal graphic shows the text "New programme. A collaboration to advance the field of arts, culture, health and wellbeing across Europe", accompanied by the SBB and European Culture and Health Hub logos.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
New podcast alert! 🔔 Out now – Professor Daisy Fancourt's guest appearance on The Blindboy Podcast @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social Listen to their conversation on how the #Arts transform our #Health 👇 shows.acast.com/blindboy/epi...
shows.acast.com
A Professor of Psychobiology tells me how Art improves our Health | The Blindboy Podcast
Daisy Fancourt is a professor at UCL who studies how taking part in arts and creative activities affects our mental and physical health, stress, wellbeing and social connection. Her new book, Art Cure...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Missed this? 👀 Our recent blog looks back on the Arts Health Research Intensive 2026, our flagship course to develop knowledge, skills and contacts in #ArtsAndHealth If you'd like to be part of the 2027 cohort, register your interest 🔗 us14.list-manage.com/survey?u=ce9...
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
In yesterday’s Monthly Methods webinar we heard from Prof Cláudia Libânio on “Design for Health: Inclusive and Participatory Practices in the Global South”. Missed it? Watch the recording now: youtu.be/oha6_ypNSUc?...
The opening presentation slide from the Design for Health webinar. Text reads "Design for Health: Inclusive and Participatory Practices in the Global South."
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
What do young people think about #SocialPrescribing? 💭 Today is International #YouthDay, commemorated by the United Nations. In celebration, we've just published a new blog about our Youth Advisory Group for the Social Prescribing Youth Network. 🔗 sbbresearch.org/young-people...
A blue/green graphic with the SPYN and SBB logos. Text reads: "So what do our Youth Advisory Group members think?" with an arrow to scroll. Text reads: "The current healthcare system and why social prescribing can help…". A quote below says: "Social prescribing offers something different. It focuses on connection, creativity, movement and purpose - helping us feel understood, not just treated.”   Text reads: "Speaking from experience, reflections on social prescribing and community activities...". A quote below says: "“As someone who grew up with both mental and physical health issues, both my running club and art sessions were really important to me and 
greatly supported my wellbeing.”Text reads: "And a call to action…". A quote below says: “I genuinely believe social prescribing has the power to change young people’s lives across the UK, but only if we give it the attention and support it deserves.”
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Exciting news: Prof Daisy Fancourt is now on Instagram! 🚀 This summer we're taking the plunge and have set up an Instagram as another home for all the latest news about our research on arts, culture and health. Follow along: www.instagram.com/daisy.fancou...
Teal graphic with a repeating light-blue wavy pattern. In the centre, white text reads: “Hello Instagram!” under the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Later this August we’re excited to be joined by our GRACE-Epi investigators at UCL! GRACE-Epi is a 7-year @wellcometrust.bsky.social funded programme of global epidemiological research on #Arts & #Health. Watch back Prof Fancourt’s introduction to the programme: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B91y...
youtube.com
GRACE-Epi Monthly Methods 1: Professor Daisy Fancourt
YouTube video by Social Biobehavioural Research Group
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Our research group offers a range of #Training opportunities in #Arts & #Health, including: - Our flagship Research Intensive (register interest now!) - Online course for early career researchers - Monthly Methods webinars - PhD teaching & supervision 🔎 Explore: sbbresearch.org/training-dev...
A teal graphic taken from the Social Biobehavioural Research Group Website shows the text "Training in arts & health", accompanied by the SBB logo.
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The Art Newspaper @theartnewspaper.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
“Art is the forgotten fifth pillar of health,” writes Daisy Fancourt. In Art Cure she adds to the growing evidence confirming what humankind has long intuited: art is good for our wellbeing. buff.ly/hEEV2DR
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Jim Hawkins @jimallthetime.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Daisy Fancourt: “The evidence increasingly shows that the arts are fundamental to human health” www.songlines.co.uk/content/feat...
songlines.co.uk
My World: Daisy Fancourt – “The evidence increasingly shows that the arts are fundamental to human health” - Songlines
Jane Cornwell meets a scientist and author whose work explores the effects of music on our health and wellbeing
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our INNATE Framework identified 139 potential active ingredients that may explain how arts engagement effects health & wellbeing. It continues to be used to support the design, implementation & evaluation of #Arts in #Health activities: sbbresearch.org/projects/ing... 🎥 youtu.be/wZPIzzRofpw
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Join us for October’s Monthly Methods Webinar, where Dr Norha Vera San Juan & Dr Sam Martin will present: “Analysing Big Qualitative Data: Current Methods and Future Directions” 📅 22nd Oct, 1-2pm (GMT+1) 🎟️ Free, online, and open to all 🔗Register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-epi-...
A blue graphic with the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo and the text "GRACE-Epi Monthly Methods: Norha Vera San Juan & Sam Martin". Photos of Norha Vera San Juan and Sam Martin appear in two bubbles.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
In June we had the pleasure of spending a week in Edinburgh for our flagship Arts Health Research Intensive! You can now read all about it on our blog: sbbresearch.org/arts-health-... A big thanks to our hosts, @stcolumbashospice.bsky.social, partners & our wonderful cohort!
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Interested in learning about the power of #SocialPrescribing for #Children & #YoungPeople? Our free online course provides practical tools & resources to help you implement social prescribing, developed in partnership with NASP. 👉 Complete in your own time: nasp.thinkific.com/products/cou...
A teal graphic shows the text "Free training course. Social Prescribing for Children and Young People". There is an image of someone typing, and the SBB logo.
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UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care @ucliehc.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
“When we regularly engage in the arts it’s a low-intensity psychological therapy, it increases neurotransmitters like dopamine that are involved in happiness, and reduces stress hormones like cortisol.” - Professor Daisy Fancourt www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07...
telegraph.co.uk
Daily dose of art as important to health as 5-a-day
Research show art engagement not only slows down ageing but it is a ‘human necessity’
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
How can social prescribing be more accessible and inclusive for autistic people? In case you missed it this Spring, we worked with @autistica.org.uk to co-produce a best practice guide, with practical recommendations. Read more here: sbbresearch.org/making-socia...
A teal graphic shows the text "New Resource, Making Social Prescribing Accessible for Autistic People: Best Practice Guidelines". There is a preview of two pages of the guide, next to the SBB logo.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"Mental health care shouldn’t begin and end in the consulting room." @danhayesphd.bsky.social Read about new research into the impact of dance programmes and #SocialPrescribing for young people 💃 www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests
Researchers find dance reduced depressive symptoms and social anxiety in young people in eight-week trial
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
We’re excited to announce September’s Monthly Methods Webinar with Dr Jess Bone on “What do people do all day? Exploring time trends and daily patterns of health-enhancing behaviours through time use surveys”. 📅 Tues 29th Sept, 12-1pm (GMT+1) 🔗 Register now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-epi-...
A blue graphic with the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo and the text "GRACE-Epi Monthly Methods: Jess Bone". A photo of Jess Bone appears in a bubble.
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UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care @ucliehc.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Social prescribing may help adolescents waiting for specialist mental health services by improving their resilience, behaviour and relationships with others, suggests a new study by a UCL team. www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/ju...
ucl.ac.uk
Social prescribing may help young people awaiting mental health care
Social prescribing, which connects people to arts and exercise activities and other sources of support, may help adolescents waiting for specialist mental health services by improving their…
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Are arts and crafts the forgotten 5-a-day? Check out the new article featuring Professor Fancourt's habit-building tips to support your #CreativeHealth 👇 www.marieclaire.co.uk/health-fitne...
marieclaire.co.uk
I Spent 3 Months Prioritising My Creative Health—Here's Why It's Essential For Healthy Ageing
Are arts and crafts the forgotten 5-a-day?
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Last week we were joined by Prof Pier Luigi Sacco for a thought-provoking Monthly Methods webinar on "The Cultural Exposome" - the totality of cultural, linguistic, creative & symbolic exposures across the lifespan. 🎥 You can now watch the recording on our website: sbbresearch.org/grace-epi-mo...
The opening presentation slide from The Cultural Exposome webinar. Text reads "The Cultural Exposome. How cultural environments shape brain and biological health through recursive, self-generating pathways."
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
📚 What's on your summer reading list for #NationalYearOfReading2026? ⭐ We're delighted to see Prof Daisy Fancourt's book #ArtCure featured in @bookriot.bsky.social's roundup of the best books of 2026 so far! Explore the full list: bookriot.com/best-books-o... @literacytrust.org.uk
bookriot.com
Best Books of 2026 (So Far)
These are our picks for the best books of 2026 so far, books published between January 1 and June 30 of this year.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
New research published today! 📣 Our Wellbeing While Waiting study shows that #SocialPrescribing may help young people awaiting #MentalHealth care by improving their resilience, behaviour and relationships with others 📈 Blog: sbbresearch.org/social-presc... Paper: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
A teal graphic shows a photo of Dr Daniel Hayes, Principal Research Fellow, and the SBB logo. The following quote is written alongside: “Previous research from our team has shown that many young people and families find waiting for mental health services difficult and often feel they lack support during that period. Our new study suggests that social prescribing may provide a valuable source of support while young people are waiting, helping them strengthen relationships, build resilience and improve day-to-day functioning.”
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The Art Newspaper @theartnewspaper.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Global interest in the health benefits of the arts is gaining momentum with more governments recognising that creativity should be embedded across national health systems. Wales and Greece, are the latest countries exploring in depth how the arts can boost health and wellbeing. buff.ly/fSTxxus
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Create Charity @createcharity.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
🎨 It's the final day of Create Week, but there's still time to get involved! Today's spotlight is Flower Origami, a relaxing paper-folding activity that transforms simple materials into beautiful blooms. 📥 Download all 7 activities f.mtr.cool/namajonabo
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Springer Nature @springernature.com · 03/07/2026
How can science connect more meaningfully with the public? At #HayFestival, the John Maddox Conversation showed how science thrives within culture—through dialogue, interdisciplinarity and access. Read more: spklr.io/63322EOiUa #Health #Arts #SciComms
WHAT HAY FESTIVAL REMINDED ME ABOUT SCIENCE, ART AND PUBLIC CONNECTION. Written by Tamsine O'Riordan, VP Science Books. Two women on stage at Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye speak to an audience. Blue backdrop, bookshelf. SPRINGER NATURE logo.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
📣 One week until our next online Monthly Methods webinar! Prof Pier Luigi Sacco will present on The Cultural Exposome - the totality of cultural, linguistic, creative, & symbolic exposures across the lifespan. 📅Thursday 9th July 12-1pm 🎟️Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-epi-...
A blue graphic with the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo and the text "GRACE-Epi Monthly Methods: Professor Pier Luigi". A photo of Professor Pier Luigi appears in a bubble.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Our latest newsletter is out! Find out about: 🎨 Our latest research, including the molecular biology of arts engagement 💻 Upcoming webinars & exciting Art Cure events 📰 Recent media highlights of our research 🔗 Read more: mailchi.mp/ucl/sbb-june...
A blue graphic with curvy shapes contains the text "Summer Newsletter" accompanied by the SBB logo.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Looking for some inspiration? #CreateWeek starts tomorrow! Explore 7 free creative activities from @createcharity.bsky.social across 7 days this July: createarts.org.uk/createweek/
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Dig into the June edition of the Social Prescribing Youth Network (#SPYN) newsletter for: 🌏 An update from our Director on international engagement 💡 New blogs & latest resources 📌 Community noticeboard full of opportunities, including a call for evidence Happy reading! 🔗 mailchi.mp/ucl/spyn-jun26
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Did you know that members of the Social Biobehavioural Research Group have authored over 300 papers! 👉 Browse the full library here: sbbresearch.org/research-pap...
A teal graphic taken from the  Social Biobehavioural Research Group Website Research papers library page is accompanied by the Social Biobehavioural Research Group logo. Text reads "300+ Papers available to browse in our online research library".
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Next month it’s #CreateWeek and the theme for 2026 is #Connect!🎨 Our research shows the value of arts engagement for our health. Throughout the week you can take part in seven creative activities. Register your interest here & download the free activities: createarts.org.uk/createweek/.
A purple graphic shows a bubble containing text that reads "Did you know? Older adults have a 48% lower risk of developing depression when engaging in cultural activities at least once a month. Source: Fancourt D, Tymoszuk U. Br J Psychiatry. 2019" and is accompanied by the Create logoA purple graphic shows a bubble containing text that reads "this includes going to museums, theatre and cinema. Even people who attended every few months had a 32% lower risk of developing depression". Source: Fancourt D, Tymoszuk U. Br J Psychiatry. 2019" and is accompanied by the Create logo.
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Are you an early career researcher looking to understand how #Arts, #Culture and #HeritageActivities can improve #Health and #Wellbeing? Explore our free online course to learn more: sbbresearch.org/arts-culture...
A photo of someone's hands covered in paint, with text that reads: "Arts, Culture and Heritage: Understanding their complex effects on our health. Free Online Course.".
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Social Biobehavioural Research Group @ucl-sbb.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
It's #LonelinessAwarenessWeek when we join Marmalade Trust in raising awareness of loneliness 🧡 We're proud to be contributing to tackling loneliness through our research – we're investigating how best to support lonely pupils in schools 🏫 Learn more: sbbresearch.org/projects/ina...
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UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences @uclpophealthsci.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Who gets access to creativity, and why does it matter for our health? Professor Daisy Fancourt’s research shows that engaging in the arts can improve wellbeing and reduce stress, but access to creativity is essential. @ucl-sbb.bsky.social @ucliehc.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social
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