Arts programme to support children and young people’s mental health returns

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s (UHB) Arts Boost programme, designed to reduce feelings of distress and improve mental health through the arts, returns for the summer and is now open for referrals.

Offered to children and young people aged 12-17 known to our Specialist Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (S-CAMHS) in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, this is an opportunity to connect through creativity.

Participants can enjoy an artist-led creative mixed media activity called ‘Creative Freestyling’ delivered by Span Arts in Pembrokeshire, People Speak Up in Carmarthenshire, and Small World Theatre in Ceredigion.

Arts Boost continues to show great potential to improve the well-being in children and young people.

Angela Lodwick, Assistant Director Mental Health and Learning Disabilities for Hywel Dda UHB said: “Over three previous programmes, we have found that engaging with creative artist-led creative activities helps children and young people to improve their wellbeing and reduce feelings of distress and develop creative coping skills for life.

“Activities delivered with our art partners help create a safe space to allow for recovery, promote resilience and coping skills and increase a sense of empowerment.”

If you or your child is known to our S-CAMHS, Arts Boost programme is available to you.

Arts Boost is based on the growing body of evidence that shows that the arts have a key role to play in healthcare, especially in improving wellbeing, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-expression and is part of the national Arts and Minds programme, funded by the Baring Foundation and the Arts Council of Wales.

For more information or to apply, speak to your current primary mental health clinician, email PsychologicalTherapies-SCAMHS.HDD@wales.nhs.uk or contact our lead for psychological therapies S-CAMHS, Katie O’Shea on 01267 674450.