Case Study: Creating Nostalgic Moments

Introduction

The project was rooted in creativity, connection and community care. Working with Links Mental Health Charity, young people, our dementia friendly group, freelance artists and the wider public, we witnessed powerful nostalgic moments showing how creativity can restore confidence, spark joy and rebuild connection. These moments evoked fond memories, strengthening well being and belonging. At Links, participants re engaged with creative expression in a safe, supportive space, reconnecting with childhood skills and the gentle rhythm of making. Work with young people brought a different energy; nostalgia was more complex and sometimes emotional, so artists and support staff adapted activities toward exploration, identity and self expression.

The Challenge

The project responded to needs identified through Y Tŷ Celf’s earlier ACW health & wellbeing work, where WEMWBS data showed 91% of participants improved well-being & reported greater confidence, reduced social anxiety, & positive behavioural change. Creating Nostalgic Moments addressed isolation among adults at Links, limited creative opportunities for people living with dementia & carers, & challenges facing young people at risk of becoming NEET. It also supported freelance artists and session support staff. Y Tŷ Celf’s Creative Hub offers a trusted, non-clinical creative space for people to feel safe and engage in creativity.

The Approach

Creating Nostalgic Moments was delivered through a structured, community focused approach combining creative practice, wellbeing support, and partnership working. The project ran from April 2025 to April 2026 and was delivered by Y Tŷ Celf in Llanelli, working closely with Links Mental Health Charity, MIND Llanelli, Ysgol Y Strade, & Swansea University. Activities took place at Y Tŷ Celf’s Creative Hub on John Street, community venues across Llanelli, and partner settings. The programme was organised into five delivery strands, each tailored to a distinct participant group but unified by the theme of nostalgia. Workshops were two hours long and led by a Y Tŷ Celf freelance artist, supported by a session support officer responsible for safeguarding, administration, and observational data. Delivery included mental health focused sessions with adults at Links; open access workshops for the general public; creative sessions for young people aged 11–24 at risk of disengagement; professional development for freelance artists and support staff; and weekly dementia friendly & intergenerational workshops involving Welsh speaking young people with additional learning needs. Across all strands, the project created safe, non clinical spaces for creative expression and connection.

The Impact

Using the Creative Health Impact Framework’s distinction between intermediate and measurable outcomes, the evaluation identified consistent themes across all strands. These intermediate or “soft” outcomes describe changes that are observed or reported but not easily measured, yet they strongly indicate the project’s therapeutic value. Participants frequently experienced emotional well-being and joy, expressing feelings of happiness, warmth, gratitude, and pride. The project also strengthened social connectedness: adults at Links shared more openly during themed sessions, intergenerational Spark Art workshops encouraged lively exchanges between young people and older adults living with dementia, and general public sessions created new shared memories. Participants showed increased self-esteem and pride in their creative work, with young people confident enough to exhibit publicly and Spark Art participants celebrating their achievements through a final exhibition. The nostalgia framework also supported identity, meaning, and belonging, prompting reflections on heritage and personal milestones. Some sessions evoked bittersweet emotions, consistent with nostalgia’s complexity, and facilitators used reflective practice to support participants sensitively.   

Lessons Learned

The project showed that nostalgia works deeply for adults and people with dementia, while young people need adapted approaches. Strong session support and use of music and screens worked well. Next time we’ll build in creative evaluation tools and tailor session length to audience capacity. Learning is now shaping future programme design, staff training, and how Y Tŷ Celf embeds reflective, participant led practice

The Legacy

The project leaves a strong legacy through a practical nostalgia toolkit, strengthened partnerships, and a more confident creative workforce. Future work will build on these resources, expanding sessions with Links, MIND and community groups. Artists are now equipped to lead ongoing activity, helping sustain provision. Participants gain lasting confidence, connection and access to safe creative spaces, shaping a resilient future programme. Accessing funding will be the challenge for this work to be able to continue.

Website and Social Media Links

Www.ytycelf-thearthouse.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8drKGqe2lYQ

Contact Details

Karen Thomas info.ytycelf@gmail.com

Tags: Art Form Visual arts including 2D and 3D work: abstract painting, mixed media, collage, gelli printing, textiles, jewellery making, printmaking, clay, and cardboard sculpture. Target Groups People living with dementia, the wider public, adults experiencing mental health challenges, and disengaged young people aged 12–20. Health Need Mental health support, dementia-friendly provision, and re-engagement for young people experiencing social or educational disengagement. Setting / Location Delivered at Y Tŷ Celf’s Creative Community Hub, LINKS Mental Health Charity, through a walking group, and in other safe, welcoming, non clinical community environments.

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