Inside Out Cymru has partnered with Parkinson’s UK to launch a new Art for Wellbeing taster project across the Gwent region, aiming to support people living with Parkinson’s through creative expression and gentle movement.
The initiative will see five workshops delivered in Parkinson’s UK community support groups across Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, and Newport. Each session will be led by Inside Out Cymru’s experienced artists, who specialise in using the visual arts to support mental health and wellbeing.
The workshops are designed to help manage symptoms like tremors and freezing through engaging, accessible art-based activities such as drawing, ceramics, and crafting. As well as supporting physical wellbeing, the sessions aim to encourage social connection, confidence, and creativity in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
The project was sparked by local interest in introducing art activities to existing support groups. Andi, a Community Engagement Officer at Parkinson’s UK, identified the need through conversations with group members who felt that art could bring something new and meaningful to their gatherings. Following discussions with Inside Out Cymru, the idea developed into a five-group pilot project supported by the wider Parkinson’s UK team.
Past participants in Inside Out Cymru’s programmes have described their experiences as “encouraging”, “positive”, and “fulfilling”. One individual shared, “There is the encouragement and positivity of other people, and that’s unbelievable.”
This pilot project is expected to engage 30–40 people across the region and, if successful, could pave the way for further arts-based support initiatives for people with Parkinson’s in Wales.
With massive thanks to Dwr Cymru for their financial support.