Bridgend families unleash their creativity with Arts 4 Wellbeing

Bridgend families supported by Action for Children have taken time out to unleash their creative side in workshops devised by Arts 4 Wellbeing. The workshops provided a safe, stimulating environment where families were supported to engage with each other in a fun, creative way that encouraged positive wellbeing.

The first workshop was an interactive story making session with parents and their children, stimulating the imagination, encouraging the sharing of ideas and supporting confidence in parent/child social creative interaction.

Following this was the use of mindfulness and relaxation techniques alongside guided therapeutic silk painting. Parents enjoyed opportunity to reconnect, rebalance and relax into participation to overcome barriers to creativity resulting in more confident and enhanced understanding of what they can personally achieve. Each family member was able to take their piece of work home.

Bridgend mum, Helen Lewis praised the service and the Arts 4 Wellbeing sessions, saying: ‘We haven’t got to explain why our children are acting the way they are, there is no judgement, coming here you can get everything off your mind. You know you are not alone.’

Arts 4 Wellbeing Wales is an innovative training organisation that harnesses creativity to support good mental health, wellbeing and happiness, improving lives and communities.

Alison Meredith-Jones, Action for Children’s Parenting Monitoring and Development Co-ordinator for the Families First project, said: ‘The families really enjoyed these sessions as it gave them the chance to focus entirely on connecting with each other in a safe space away from daily pressures and concerns. Exploring their creativity is a great way of boosting their collective wellbeing and build upon the support we provide at Brackla Family Centre. Arts 4 Wellbeing were great with the families and it clearly gave a big boost to all those who attended