With support from the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, Cardiff and Vale UHB is delighted to be able to support a community arts project in Llantwit Major, which brings together musicians, spoken word poets and artists in support of World Mental Health day.
Holding on to Hope is a series of activities held in St. Illtud’s Church in order to support mental health and wellbeing in our community.
It will bring together art and music which has been inspired by the subject of mental health, including a live performance from local musician, Bel Blue, on the evening of the 10th October, World Mental Health Day itself, set against a backdrop of art and photography, including work by Lucy Jane Purrington.
In the days leading up to the 10th, events and workshops will promote and encourage positive experiences and wellbeing for people of all ages, including work with local schools, and supported by the Emotional Wellbeing Service from Cardiff and Vale UHB.
The town of Llantwit Major will be the focal point for the events, where the health board will be working with the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Parish. There have been repeated occasions when mental health issues have been identified in the local community. Many of these issues are identified in young people, especially late teenagers. There are close links with local schools and health care professionals, but the local church has identified the need to make wider and stronger connections between all those individuals, agencies and support groups that can help.
In line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, the project addresses health, community cohesion, resilience, equality and global responsibility, in a distinctive Welsh context. This project seeks to use the physical presence of St Illtud’s Church, a remarkable building which sits at the heart of the town, offering space, sanctuary, stillness and opportunity for the project.
Simone Joslyn, Head of Arts at Cardiff and Vale UHB and Head of the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, said, “By working closely together with our partners, such as the local Parish, we are able to take the positive impact of the creative arts on people’s mental wellbeing, which we have seen in acute settings such as Hafan y Coed, and share them with people in their communities.
“We are delighted to have been able to work on this project to address one of the most pressing issues facing our population, beginning to take steps to bring people together to support each other creatively.”
THE PROGRAMME
All events will be staged at St Illtud’s Church, College Street, Llantwit Major CF61 1SG
Monday 7th October
7.00pm ‘Maintaining a Healthy Work / Life Balance’
with Dr Teena Clouston
Tuesday 8th October
7.00pm ‘Sketching for Wellbeing’
Sketching workshop for people of all ages
Wednesday 9th October
7.00pm Drop-in and Advice, with Samaritans and others
For anyone concerned about the mental or emotional
wellbeing of themselves or others
Thursday 10th October
6.30pm Celtic Contemplation
A time to relax, reflect and be well
7.00pm Live performance of ‘The St Illtud’s Sessions’ by Bel Blue.
Music, reflection and fellowship to mark World Mental Health Day.
Running through the week
- Photographic exhibition by Lucy Jane Purrington.
- Workshops for children and young people from local schools, exploring themes of personal wellbeing and positive personal image.
- Guidance and advice from a range of care-givers and support agencies for anyone concerned about their mental or emotional wellbeing, or those concerned about loved ones or friends.