Awen Cultural Trust is working in partnership with Tanio to offer weekly creative arts groups to anyone who is struggling with loneliness or isolation, living with poor mental or physical health, or would benefit from seeing a friendly, welcoming face or meeting new people. Participants can self-refer using an online form or just turn up.

The free sessions, which are being funded by Bridgend County Borough Council, offer art, music, movement and creative writing opportunities at Awel y Mor community in Porthcawl from 12.30pm – 2.30pm on Wednesdays and Y Nyth education and wellbeing centre at Bryngarw Country Park from 2pm – 4pm on Fridays, except during school holidays.

Tanio aims to offer all community members access to inspiring, aspirational and high-quality arts experiences in safe environments. They are committed to creating positive and supportive spaces that will positively impact the participants’ overall wellbeing, by helping them to develop new skills, confidence and self-esteem through creative self-expression.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Tanio to deliver these much-needed sessions within two of our venues in Bridgend. At Awen, we use creative experiences to connect, improve wellbeing and make a positive difference to people’s lives, so there is a real synergy between us and the Breathing Space initiative. Working in partnership with other organisations, such as Tanio, to make a genuine impact is definitely a long-term solution to improving wellbeing within our communities.”

Breathing Space at Awel y Mor and Y Nyth is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council.