Case Study: Where do we go from here Considering a shared future Rubicon Dance and CAVUHB
Authors(s), Creator(s) and Contributors: Heidi Wilson, Independent Evaluator
Publication Date: 04/08/2026
Categories: Case Studies
Partner(s): Rubicon Dance and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Funder(s): Arts Council Wales, Cardiff and Vale Health Charity, Rubicon Wales Facilities Management Ltd.
Introduction
Rubicon is a community dance organisation located in the heart of Splott. For over 50 years they have been working with communities across Cardiff. In 2016 they ran a pilot project with the physiotherapy team at the Stroke Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB). This marked the beginning of a continuous relationship. Since then, they have expanded their provision to include other clinical areas such as Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP), Noah's Ark Children's Hospital and Neuropsychiatry. Rubicon's Dance and Health programme is based in hospital wards, outpatient departments and in the community. They work in partnership with other third sector organisations in CAVUHB such as Headway and Solace.
The Challenge
Precipitated by the loss of the Arts and Health posts at CAVUHB, Rubicon is seeking ways to maintain, further embed and manage their Dance and Health programme into the future. The aspiration is to create a mechanism through which the programme can be coproduced with clinical partners, other NHS stakeholders and third sector organisations. CAVUHB have published their Clinical Services Plan 2026-2030 which recognises that patient pathways through the health board may be multiple and cross primary, secondary and tertiary care. It recognises that many patients are living with comorbidities leading to complex care needs. With government focus on prevention, the NHS are looking for locally available services where patients can meet health needs. This could include dance.
The Approach
Two Stakeholder Focus Groups were held online in June and July 2026. Each focus group lasted one hour and was audio recorded and transcribed using Microsoft Teams. Verbal consent was gained prior to recording, and the use of anonymised direct quotations was agreed. Focus groups were conducted by independent evaluator, Heidi Wilson. The stakeholders were drawn from clinical and third sector partners involved in Rubicon's Dance and Health CAVUHB programme. Stakeholders were formally approached using their work email addresses and invited to attend one of the focus groups. Out of a possible 14, eight people were able to attend. They represented a cross section of staff from different clinical areas and roles and included third sector partners from two charities operating within CAVUHB. The focus groups aimed to understand the value and impacts of the programme to patients and staff as perceived by those present. They also sought to open conversations around future aspirations and management possibilities. Focus group transcripts were subject to inductive thematic analysis to surface key themes and subthemes. These were written up into a report for use by the senior leadership team at Rubicon. This has formed the basis of this Case Study.
The Impact
Concerning the future of Rubicon's Dance and Health programme, there was unanimous agreement that participants wished the programme to continue. This was due to the perceived value of the programme to patients and staff in supporting them to meet clinical and wellbeing aims. There was shared frustration at the uncertainty caused by funding challenges which mitigate against sustainability and long-term aspirational development. Those present recognised the difficulties faced by external providers in navigating NHS bureaucracy (such as securing Honorary Contracts) following the loss of the arts and health posts at CAVUHB. Those present proposed that a steering group or practice group could be formed which might serve a number of purposes: 1. To understand and streamline operational and administrative procedures for Rubicon (and other external providers) across CAVUHB; 2. To develop a robust evaluation framework (including clinical measures, mapping patient pathways, optimisation of interventions i.e. ‘dosage’); 3. To work towards the strategic development of Rubicon’s work across CAVUHB (in line with the new Clinical Services Plan); 4. To develop a funding strategy and plan for longer term and sustained investment; 5. To identify what is working well (share learning).
Lessons Learned
Following over 10 years of Rubicon input across CAVUHB, secure and trusting relationships have been established. Set against this context, some NHS staff are keen to support and be active in coproducing the next phase. Harnessing their energy, influence and goodwill may lead to embedded practice. They want Rubicon to stay.
The Legacy
Rubicon is moving into a phase of coproduction with the NHS and charity partners. Together they are establishing a democratic mechanism for sharing learning, imagining and securing a shared future. Stakeholders are being ambitious in exploring data collection which aligns with clinical measures to build a better case for the significance of the work and a rationale for sustained funding.
Website and Social Media Links
https://youtu.be/8m7g3ZGRr6Y
Contact Details
Emrys Barnes - Outreach and Engagement Co-ordinator emrys@rubicondance.co.uk
Tags: Dance, Hospital, Stroke, Mental Health Older People, Neuropsychiatry, Coproduction, Steering Group
