Case Study: Synwyriwm

Introduction

Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, loneliness & isolation are becoming more common, especially during ongoing social & economic uncertainty. Many people with moderate mental health problems are not in crisis but may still be impacted daily & lack adequate support. Creative engagement is an effective way to support wellbeing, helping people express themselves, process emotions and discuss mental health in a non-clinical setting. The Synwyriwm project used this approach, offering sensory arts activities in indoor & outdoor environments. This project was grounded in growing evidence connecting green spaces with improved mental health. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology has shown that natural environments can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote relaxation, outcomes that Synwyriwm actively sought to deliver through its use of outdoor locations such as Plas Newydd.

Amser i Siarad - a local mental health charity that works with adults and young people across Gwynedd and Angleseyin the heart of the community and has led the way with anti stigma work which underpins all work they do. Galeri Caernarfon-is a creative arts centre in Caernarfon. It is the largest and most ambitious creative enterprise centre and arts complex in North wales. Plas Newydd House and Gradens-is a Grade 1 listed country mansion that is managed by the National Trust on the north bank of the Menai Straight

 

The Challenge

The Synwyriwm project was developed in response to both local need and a growing body of research supporting the role of the arts, nature, and sensory engagement in improving mental wellbeing. Designed specifically for individuals experiencing moderate mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and isolation. The project recognised the therapeutic potential of creative and immersive experiences delivered in inclusive, non-clinical settings. The project aimed to assess the effectiveness of: • Engaging with sensory artworks • Creative workshops • Engagement with arts and heritage spaces in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of participants from Amser i Siarad (AiS) & in particular to reduce anxiety, improve self esteem & confidence & improve wellbeing.

The Approach

Synwyriwm focused on connection, reflection, and confidence-building through collaborative, artist-led workshops delivered in safe, inclusive and non clinical settings. Participants engaged in creative wellbeing sessions covering painting, photography, music, creative writing, and textiles, alongside exhibition planning, preparation and hanging. Delivered across Galeri Caernarfon and Plas Newydd, sessions encouraged immersive, multisensory experiences, with strong support from trained staff using trauma-informed approaches. Five Welsh-speaking artists contributed diverse creative practices, while Amser i Siarad & Galeri staff provided facilitation, participant support, and reflective observation throughout. The project engaged 10 core participants aged 18–78, with strong attendance and commitment, and additional individuals staying connected through electronic updates. Participants produced a range of creative outputs including artwork, photography, recordings, and short films. Synwyriwm aimed to help participants better manage anxiety, feel more connected to their communities, build confidence in social and cultural spaces, enhance self-esteem and overall improve wellbeing. There was pre project delivery training for artists in Mental Health First Aid and ASIST alongside tours and intros to Plas Newydd House and Garden.

The Impact

Synwyriwm delivered a structured creative wellbeing programme supported by trained staff and professional artists. Four pre-delivery training days in Mental Health First Aid and ASSIST ensured safe, confident facilitation. The project delivered 20 creative workshops across painting, photography, music, writing and textiles, alongside 12 exhibition sessions (32 total). Five Welsh-speaking artists led sessions, supported by staff providing facilitation, participant care and reflective observation. Ten core participants (aged 18–78) showed strong attendance and commitment, with others remaining connected. Participants produced artwork, photography, audio recordings and short films reflecting personal and shared experiences. The project aimed to reduce anxiety, build confidence, strengthen community connection and increase comfort in social and cultural spaces. Outcomes were positive: 96% reported improved wellbeing, 77% improved mood, 74% increased self-esteem, 72% increased confidence, and 64% reduced anxiety. Qualitative feedback highlighted new friendships, creative growth, increased independence and emerging leadership. Overall, Synwyriwm demonstrated clear impact in improving mental health, fostering connection and building resilience through creative engagement.

Lessons Learned

Synwyriwm began as a pilot, recruiting 20 participants, with 10 consistently involved and others staying in touch despite illness or personal barriers. Future plans include over recruiting to allow for illness and drop-out to widen access to reduce stigma. Workshops evolved into full-day sessions, showing the value of flexibility. Discretionary travel support helped attendance, and artists reported enhanced practice, with future projects aiming to strengthen shared reflection.

The Legacy

The project showed clear positive impacts on mental health, providing purpose, structure, and achievement. Participants reported improved confidence, mood, self-esteem, and reduced anxiety, alongside forming new friendships beyond the workshops. One participant went on to lead a creative workshop for the group, demonstrating increased confidence and ownership. Now in its second year, the project continues to build on this success and has scaled up supporting wellbeing through creative engagement while helping reduce stigma

Website and Social Media Links

www.amserisiarad.org www.galeri.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden

Contact Details

Clare Bailey Clare@amserisiarad.org

Tags: #Creative Arts #HeritageSpaces #Mixedmedia #natureart #mentalhealth #wellbeing

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