Literature for Well-being Funding Scheme

In spring 2018 we supported nine projects led by Wales-based writers and artists which were devised with a target group in mind, including those who have experienced homelessness, are seeking asylum, are survivors of domestic abuse, or are at risk of disengagement, marginalisation or exclusion.

The programme followed a successful call-out for writers and arts practitioners to create and deliver a series of creative writing workshops in the community in August 2017.

Taking part in creative writing and reading has been clinically proven to be beneficial to our well-being, both physical and mental and can improve lives. The Literature for Wellbeing Funding Scheme aimed to provide individuals and communities the opportunity to tell their story and write their own futures.

Further information about each project and the lead writer is available below:

Footsteps to Recovery

Creative writing for people in recovery from substance abuse in Cardiff led by Christina Thatcher.

Spoken word workshops with homeless people

Series of Spoken Word Poetry workshops with those at risk of social exclusion and those who have experienced homelessness with Frank Thomas in the Swansea and Newport areas.

Dancing words – poetry of the body

A series of poetry and movement workshops with over 60s dance Group Cain, based at Galeri Caernarfon, with Gwion Hallam and Cai Tomos.

Write it Out: LGBT Creative Writing Workshops

Creative writing workshops and performance with LGBT+ writers in Aberystwyth abd Carnarthen with Helen Sandler and Gemma Brewer.

Bright Flowers Project

Creative writing sessions for women at risk of/survivors of domestic abuse in Carmarthen with Mel Perry.

HM Prison Berwyn Creative Writing Project

Series of Welsh-medium creative writing workshops with inmates at Carchar y Berwyn, Wrecsam.

Poetry residency at palliative care unit

Poetry residency at the palliative care unit at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth and in the community. The poet resident is Mererid Hopwood.