Launched in 2021 to nurture and develop partnerships among the arts, health, social care, and third sectors, the fund supports creative projects across Wales that boost health and wellbeing. This summer, a dozen partnerships received funding to test or grow their projects. Priority was given to creative arts projects that connect people with nature, support mental health, address health inequalities, keep people active, and promote staff wellbeing.

Among the successful projects were:

  • Oasis One World Choir and Cardiff and Vale Action for Mental Health: Testing the impact of Singing Walks on the wellbeing of people seeking sanctuary.
  • Theatr Cynefin and Bangor University's Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation: Expanding their Creative Mindfulness course with the aim of securing NHS match funding.
  • Tanio, Mental Health Matters Wales, Awen Trust, and Cwm Taf University Health Board: Running weekly creative workshops to improve mental health through the 'Breathing Space Ignite' series.
  • Rubicon Dance and Cardiff and Vale UHB: Expanding a movement programme to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of community members, patients, and staff.
  • Powys Teaching Health Board and Shakespeare Link: Offering theatre and movement opportunities to people with neurological communication difficulties through their 'Express Yourself' project.
  • Operasonic and the Support Service for d/Deaf children and young people: Providing music and sensory experiences for d/Deaf children and families through their 'Harmonious Senses' project.
  • Making Sense Community Interest Company and Wrexham County Borough Council: Conducting events and workshops for care home activity coordinators.
  • Hywel Dda's Arts and Health and Community Outreach Teams, Carmarthenshire County Council, People Speak Up, and Arts4Wellbeing: Using arts to build trust, tackle misinformation, and share health messages with Gypsy and Traveller communities in the area.
  • Familia de la Noche and Aneurin Bevan UHB: Supporting new parents' wellbeing through dance.
  • Amser i Siarad charity, Galeri Caernarfon, and Plas Newydd, National Trust: Using creative arts to support AIS clients' mental health through their ‘Synwyriwm’ project.
  • Action in Caerau and Ely and Cardiff South West Primary Care Cluster: 'Creating SpACE,' a pilot project using art-based workshops to address local health challenges.

The Arts, Health, and Wellbeing Lottery fund is accepting new applications until 11 September 2024.