Carmarthenshire Community Mental Health Activities Programme:
The service aims to provide the opportunity for adults with mental
health problems living in Carmarthenshire to access high quality arts
activities in the community. We provide opportunities at three areas
across Carmarthenshire: Llanelli (Llanerch Hall); Carmarthen (Outdoor
Bowling Club), and also in Llangadog (Community Centre). Each programme
enables participants to access workshops on a near weekly basis and
according to demand thus providing the option to access as little or as
regular provision as appropriate.
The programmes are organised in response to feedback obtained through
questionnaires and through discussions with staff working in the mental
health sector and participants themselves and hopes to provide something
for everyone. All the workshops organised are FREE of charge to
participants however all wanting to take part are asked to book a place
at the workshops by contacting ACGC to ensure sessions run smoothly.
Looking forward to seeing what outcomes 2013 brings.
Carmarthenshire Education and Children’s Service: Heol Goffa School
Project ‘ New Horizons’
Almost a year ago, Alun Evans started work with pupils at Heol Goffa
School in Llanelli creating and carving a wooden sculpture at the
entrance to the school building. The project was initially planned to be
finished culminating in a grand unveiling on 13th July 2012 however due
to unforeseen circumstances the project had to be put on hold. The
sculpture is now complete and the school are expecting to invite the
press to show off their sculpted dragon in the near future.
Engage Cymru Gallery Project ‘WIRED’
The project was a partnership
project between Engage Cymru, Oriel Myrddin Gallery and Arts Care Gofal
Celf (ACGC) with additional support from West Wales Action for Mental
Health (WWAMH). After a series of 10 day sessions which ended in June
2012 partners worked hard to organise an exhibition showcasing some of
the fantastic pieces of wire work created by some very talented
individuals. The exhibition was held at the National Botanic Gardens of
Wales during the months of October and November 2012 beginning with a
private viewing and celebratory event on 6th October.
Below are just some images from the exhibition:

The exhibition was a complete success for all involved, the comments
book was bombarded with positive feedback such as:
“Fantastic!
Love it all- large, small, delicate, bold- beautiful. Thanks I’m
inspired!”
“Fantabulous! Let’s have more of this”
“As I gazed into the ‘mental health’ of some pieces (and their makers) I
felt humbled, encouraged and inspired”
“Beautiful, moving and funny…well done”
Staff at the Gardens later stated that “it was the most visited
exhibition in the gallery” which was another boost for the participants
involved. One piece of work caught the eye of Arts and Creativity
Development Officer for Age Cymru, Philip Thomas who later purchased one
of the artworks from the exhibition to be used as a trophy at some
upcoming awards ceremony. Below is a photo of the artwork which was
transformed into a trophy.
Morfa integrated Children’s Centre (ICC), Llanelli
Results of creative ceramic workshops with 2-3 year olds…
Results of family focused mosaic sessions during school holidays…

After a number of creative projects during 2012, Children and families
at Morfa ICC got involved with a short series of drawing and printing
workshops in January to kick start 2013 with a boost of art and
inspiration… All were happy with the results, outcomes of which can be
seen by all who pass through the corridors at the centre.
Felinfoel Children’s Centre, Llanelli
Having seen the ceramic hand tiles at Morfa Childrens Centre, the artist
was asked to replicate the project with nursery children at Felinfoel.
Therefore on 6th February 2013, approximately forty 2-3 year olds had
the opportunity to work with Artist Neil Richardson creating imprints in
clay which are now complete and adorn their walls…

Next, the centre are due to start on an outdoor mosaic project over the
coming months which will coincide with the brighter weather. Dates to be
arranged.
Llwynhendy Children Centre, Llanelli
-Approached us to offer a range of sessions with their parents group who
meet on Tuesdays in the months leading up to Christmas 2012. Mums had
the opportunity to take part in a photography session, soap stone
carving sessions, card making and printmaking workshops.
-Young people at the centre also tried their hand at Martial Arts thanks
to Artist Lucy May Constantini.
-inspired by recent projects happening at Morfa Childrens Centre,
Llwynhendy are keen to follow suit and are pursuing budgets with the aim
of recreating the Ceramic tile and mosaic project (as seen in images
above) at their centre. These potential projects will engage a range of
young people at the centre and providing participants with the
opportunity to work with professional artists to brighten the communal
areas at their fantastic centre.
Creative Steps
Over the past year, ACGC have worked with one of the
artists on the register, Joolz, to support his creative
self-development. As part of the creative steps programme, Joolz has
been given the opportunity to shadow other professional artists enabling
him to see different ways of teaching, facilitating, engaging,
evaluating etc. The majority of the shadowing sessions have now taken
place enabling Joolz to begin the second phase of the programme which
will allow him to offer a series of self-led workshops. These workshops
will enable anything learnt to be used, developed and consolidated in a
practical and creative environment. Participants will work with card and
other materials, building and expressing their own imagination using
their creativity to communicate their ideas. These sessions are expected
to begin in April 2013.
The Baring Foundation Project
The project which will be working in
partnerships with Gwalia Care and Support will focus on working with
older people including people with dementia as they undergo the big
transition of moving into a new care home facility in Tumble, called
‘Mynydd Mawr’. After a number of meetings between partners to develop
the project, the core artists’ team has been selected and are excited
about embarking on the new venture. The project is expected to involve a
diverse range of activities, from printmaking, textiles and sculpture to
storytelling, drama and movement involving older people at the home as
well as schools and community groups.
Due to delays with the building work, the project has not started as
planned but after a meeting at the end of January 2013 the home was
officially opened and residents are expected to take up home throughout
March and beyond. A further meeting at Mynydd Mawr on 14th March will
instigate further developments and we hope to see activity start over
the next few weeks.
World Mental Health Day (in partnership with WWAMH and the
Carmarthenshire mental Health Forum
ACGC delivered a range of
activities from Indian head massage to harp workshops, jewellery, yoga
and zumba at the event held at St Peters Civil Hall on 10th October 2012
to celebrate World Mental Health Day. Later correspondence stated “The
feedback has been very positive and everyone enjoyed, felt inspired and
energised…Please pass on all my thanks to all the tutors, fab as usual”.
Pembs SEN transitions team
Young people with a diverse range of special
educational needs at a youth club in Portfield enjoyed some more dance
sessions with our very own Laura Jenkins in November 2012 and January
2013.
Genesis Project
working with Genesis advisors ACGC organised arts and
crafts workshops to run with parents groups at two Integrated Children’s
Centres in Llanelli. Both courses which took place during September and
October 2012 were extremely well received with feedback as follows:
“The courses have all been excellent! All of the mums have enjoyed. They
have all learnt new skills and have all expressed how disappointed they
are that it is the final session this Thursday. I have also had a fab
time attending the sessions! All of the tutors that we have met have
been knowledgeable, patient and very easy to get along with. It has been
a pleasure to work with them. Many thanks for making this possible”
(Genesis Staff)
After the success of the two initial courses, ACGC were then asked to
provide further arts and crafts based courses for parents at two other
family centres: Ty Hapus in Carmarthen and Burry Port Family Centre
which took place in the run up to Christmas…spreading creativity through
a variety of fun and festive workshops.
Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llanelli
ACGC Artist Alun Evans led a series of
10 workshops with 2 groups at the hospice during September and October
2012 creating wooden love spoons. Alun loved working on the project as
did participants which is evident from feedback: “Everyone thoroughly
enjoyed the sessions, loved seeing Alun and each completed their love
spoons which they are very proud of, some are giving it to their loved
ones for xmas presents” (staff at Ty Bryngwyn)
St Caradogs Ward, Withybush Hospital
Bongo Clive led a festive music
and sing along for staff and patients on 21st December 2012.
Pembs Mind Young Carers
Young carers had the opportunity to take part
in a Drama workshop in November which was well received: “The children
had a lovely time. Please thank Rose very much” (Young Carers
Coordinator).
Young carers were also able to get stuck in to some soap and bath salt
making during December 2012 with the aim of having fun and making gifts
for family members to enjoy.
Unfortunately we have recently been in informed that the project will no
longer be running due to lack of funding which is a great shame for all
young people and staff involved. Hoping that in future the project can
be recognised for all that it offers and can resume its work in
supporting those in need.
Carmarthen Leisure Centre
After a successful introduction to non-sport
activities at the Bizzy Bees Camp over the summer, ACGC were asked to
provide further sessions across the October 2012 and February 2013 half
terms for young people aged 8-12 to enjoy. Young people had the
opportunity to engage with professional artists doing circus skills and
animation workshops across each of the half terms.
Eglwyswrw School
Artist Sian Boissevain has been in discussions with
the school in planning a range of creative workshops to offer the
children. Creativity kicked off with 2D collage in February and hopes to
develop further over the coming months.
Rhwydwaith
Rhwydwaith is a network of service users, whose aim is to
ensure that the voices of service users are heard in the planning,
developing and commissioning of services’. At a recent Choices event
held at LINKS in Llanelli on 25th February 2013, ACGC provided a glass
painting workshop led by Sam Hood, a massage session led by John Cox
along with a Yoga workshop through Guy Smith.
Family Fun Days, Llanelli
During the February half term, ACGC supported the Integrated Children’s
Centres in Llanelli by organising activities for each of the three
centres:
Morfa moved and grooved with music by Bongo Clive
Felinfoel and Llwynhendy got creative with ceramics and pottery with
artists Yoka Kilkelly and Neil Richardson.
Newcastle Emlyn School
Young people aged 11 and 12 years old took up the challenge of creating
an outdoor graffiti for the schools bike trail called ‘The Dragon Trail’
over one day during the February half term. 15 young people got involved
and created a great piece of artwork to be proud of…

Foundry House Community Centre, Pembroke
Centre manager is keen to offer local children and young people the
opportunity to engage with professional artists through a range of
activities and hopes to secure funding to support the venture. ACGC
organised a drama workshop for children across the half term which was
well received, feedback stated: “Deri was absolutely brilliant, the kids
really enjoyed the session J” (Centre Manager)
Splash Arts Cymru Project, ‘ScrapArt’
Over the February half term, a group of ACGC Artists led a collaborative
creative project with young people from Carmarthenshire Youth Offending
and Prevention Service. Using scrap materials young people were
supported by artists to experiment with a variety of artforms creating,
badges, graffiti work, ceramic vessels, jewellery, sculpture,
environmental art and a spot of drama among other things which made for
an enjoyable and productive week. Staff commented that the “week has
gone really well, artists are great and kids have completed some amazing
work”.

Mind Cymru AGM
Mental health organisation which supports and promotes good mental
health and that challenges mental health stigma requested a musician to
perform at Carmarthen Mind to entertain attendees after the formalities
of their annual general meeting. George Whitfield will be playing to the
crowds on Friday 15th March.
Arts of Prescription
Having discussed an Arts on Prescription scheme for a number of years,
ACGC have recently secured funding from Carmarthenshire Wellbeing
Activity Grant Scheme in order to pilot such a project. It is recognised
that some people experiencing mental health problems can benefit from
physical stimulation thus supporting programmes such as ‘The Vitality
Scheme’ where GP’s are able to refer individuals to a series of sessions
at a local gym in order to improve their mental health. For others,
there are schemes such as ‘books on prescription’, however, the gym/
books may not always be an appropriate activity or of interest to
everyone. The Arts could be an alternative activity which may support
and benefit certain individuals’ health and wellbeing. The idea of being
given a prescription to attend arts activities by a GP/ health
professional ‘Arts on Prescription’ has been piloted in other areas of
the UK and ACGC feel that such a scheme could be a real success in
Carmarthenshire benefitting the wellbeing of local people experiencing
mental health problems.
ACGC plan to pilot the ‘Arts on Prescription’ Project initially at a single location in Carmarthenshire in order to provide people experiencing mainly low level depression, stress and anxiety with the opportunity to access creative workshops aimed at increasing their sense of wellbeing. Individuals will be referred through their local GP surgeries and or Primary Care Mental health staff to a series of 12 two hour long arts activities facilitated by ACGC’s professional Artists. The project is expected to take place over the coming months and we hope will be a great success providing scope to feed further opportunities in the future.
We are always keen to discuss ideas for new projects with prospective
partners and offer advice as to which arts forms and artists would best
suit your individual requirements.
Should you wish to discuss your ideas for a project with us please click
here to get in touch.

