Facilitating workshops with service users at the Wellness Improvement Service, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (WISE CMT), NHS (Bridgend and Rhydyfelin, Nov-Dec 2023)
Four weeks facilitating alongside groups of people who attend the Wellness Improvement Service Programme, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Creations included lino cards, origami cranes, sun catchers, notebooks, decorations, affirmations and many more, each participant brought their own unique set of interests and skills to share with one another. Driving the sessions and what made it special was the people; human connection, having a couple of hours in the day to connect and talk. Making with our hands eased this process even more. It was reflected that having a time to pause and ‘create’ is something that we don’t allow ourselves to do enough, and was highly valued, and needs to continue. This process aids taking one's mind off things such as chronic pain, which many members of the groups live with. People reflected that they found themselves immersed in making and gained confidence in their art making, coming home with something they have made and taking back materials to continue. Four weeks was not long enough! Many of the people reported they will miss these workshops, but I will miss them more.
Co-facilitating a nature, stories and clay workshop at a WISE drop-in (Hapi Hub, Rhydyfelin, February 2024)
Alongside Sabina Collado Montes, a wonderful friend and course mate, we collaboratively designed and facilitated a workshop to coincide with the drop-ins that WISE have for past and present people who have attended their programmes. The workshop explored themes of our connection to nature around us and the stories associated with this, looking at 'Hiraeth'/home/belonging/nature/stories in the local areas of South Wales.
The workshop was a huge success and many came. I was blown away by how much nature and the landscape connected people through sharing stories and reminiscing, inspiring making and as a necessity to each person's life. People spoke about their favourite walks, mountain views out their windows, the animals and nature that surround them, foraging, birds, landmarks, the sea.
What struck me the most was the beautiful, intuitive and diverse creations each person made, all unique. Each creation made speaks to the person's authenticity. Everyone used the clay in a different way whether that be rolling; building a picture; making a sculpture; telling a story; making a gift; using as a tool etc....it felt very much like everyone around the table was connected to their playful side and in tune with the natural world, and that shows just how much of an impact being surrounded by and living around nature can have on us. I'd love to explore this more, it has further inspired the art trail ideas, so watch this space!