Scottish artist Poppy Nash contributes to one of Europe's largest murals in London

A Scot is amongst more than 20 artists who have contributed to a mural the size of 22 double-decker buses to highlight how creative activities can help people process and share their health experiences.

Poppy Nash helped contribute to a hand-painted mural which has gone on display in Waterloo, London.

The mural, commissioned by Bupa, aims to bring together artists from around the world, each sharing a personal health story through their work.

It’s also to highlight the benefits of creativity on health. Global studies are increasingly showing that even short bursts of creativity can benefit health, with 30 to 45 minutes of activities like art, regardless of skill, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, with measurable drops in physiological markers of stress including the hormone cortisol.

Research from the healthcare company found creative activities like art can help people process and share health experiences, with four in five people agreeing that creativity can support mental and physical health.

Almost three quarters of those polled said they would benefit from more opportunities to be creative in daily life, with over half feeling relaxed and calm when participating in activities like art.

Meanwhile, 76% said that having a creative outlet helps them better process their emotions, while 83% said it reduces stress and anxiety.

Nash, who has diabetes, was asked as part of the campaign to create an artwork exploring her own health story and the effect that creativity has on her wellbeing.

On Instagram, she wrote: “My life experiences are closely interwoven in all my works.

“The work I’ve created for Bupa uses discarded scraps of duvet covers, quilt-like patches and ‘blanket stitches’ – layering and blurring these elements together.

“In the background of the work are motifs of warped flowers, natural forms regurgitated.

“At the centre, another flower form – dense and bold – attempts to stand proud.

“I use digital embroidery as a medium to push craft techniques that have been around for centuries, but also as a way of exploring my own relationship to technology which is shaped by my ongoing resilience on health tech.”

Other contributors to the artwork include Olympic diver and knitting enthusiast Tom Daley, renowned artists such as Sophie Tea, Yinka Ilori and Coco Dávez, and athletes including Australian Football League player Cody Weightman.