Celf-Able - peer support in a creative environment in North Powys

Andrew Logan (Celf-Able's patron) donated this artwork for the Secret Art Sales

Two and a half years ago we introduced our readers to a new group by and for disabled artists in Powys called Celf-Able. This week's guest author Amanda Wells - one of the founder members of the group - gives us an update on Celf-Able's recent and planned activities, and ongoing development.

Hello, I’m Amanda, voluntary co-ordinator for Celf-Able, a disabled-led inclusive art group in Montgomeryshire. We have been having a busy time at our meetings in Machynlleth, Caersws, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool and Newtown. We meet once a month in each venue and get together to do art in a social and peer-supportive atmosphere. We provide materials and people can have a go at different types of art, and when funding allows we invite artists to do workshops with us on different art materials and techniques. We have done pottery, mosaics, linoprinting, portrait painting, abstract painting and a host of other activities.

We believe in the role of art in wellbeing and social inclusion. Members benefit from exploring their creativity and doing art in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. We share skills and help each other achieve our artistic aims. We hold regular exhibitions at Newtown library and Centre Celf in Llandrindod Wells. We are disabled-led but we are open to all.

We have recently changed our logo to a dragon who’s a wheelchair user, this has sparked us into doing a series of dragon paintings. These will be on display and for sale at our fundraising event on July 20th at Oriel Davies, Newtown. There will also be a ‘secret art sale’ of decorated postcards in sealed envelopes. The postcards have been decorated by Celf-Able members and also artists Andrew Logan, Mary Lloyd-Jones, Linda Jane James, David Bannister and Steffan Jones-Hughes. We also have a ‘Lucky Squares’ raffle for original artworks and limited edition reproductions by Brian Jones, Linda Jane James, Steffan Jones-Hughes and others. We are very lucky that Andrew Logan recently agreed to be our first patron.

Artist Linda Jane James has made a temporary dragon mascot for us and s/he needs a name, so we have a ‘name the dragon’ raffle too. We hope to get funding to make a permanent mascot soon.

We have been hand-decorating mugs to sell to raise funds, members have decorated them with lots of different designs. This was my idea, I donated some plain white mugs to the group and we have been using Posca paint pens to decorate them. When baked in the oven the paint becomes permanent (although not dishwasher-proof). Members have enjoyed decorating the mugs with their designs.

Recently we had a stall at Llanfair Carnival, we sold donated items and brought the dragon mascot for its first outing, we also had original art for sale. With grants ever harder to get we have been increasing our activity to raise our own funds.

I was one of the founding members of Celf-Able back in 2014, we developed out of a group on Celf o Gwmpas’s Artist Training and Mentoring scheme. We wanted to carry on meeting when that project ended so we set up on our own. Celf-Able has grown a lot since then and we have had many activities as well as our regular meetings. We had a trip on Welshpool canal and also a horse-drawn canal boat trip in Llangollen. We hope to get funding to go on some day trips to galleries in Aberystywth, Machynlleth, Birmingham and Walsall, we will then produce artwork inspired by the trips.

I fell into the role of voluntary co-ordinator and have had to learn how to make grant applications and do various admin and co-ordinating tasks. This has been very demanding at times but I have gained a lot of project management skills. I would quite like to study a course on project management to get a qualification. I have also grown in confidence, personally and as an artist, so although it can be hard work and stressful at times I still get a lot out of Celf-Able, and have made lots of new valued friends. I enjoy the meetings as it’s a time I set aside to do art, mixing with like-minded people. I have been encouraged to study for the MA Fine Art at Wolverhampton, this is nearing completion now, I would never have had the confidence to do this without Celf-Able. I’m even looking into going on to do a PhD, on disability arts and society.

I really enjoy seeing other people grow in confidence too. Sometimes people are very apprehensive when they first come to the group but after a few sessions they start to relax and enjoy their creativity. It’s also good for Celf-Able to connect with other organisations. We attend a variety of networking events locally and further afield, such as Aberystwyth and Chester. We are going to be a case study group for ArtWorks Cymru’s Quality Principles, this work starts in July.

We are holding two ‘Beth Am Gael Tro/Have A Go’ workshops at Llanfair Caereinion Institute, Upcycling on July 27th and Creative Writing on August 17th, these will be led by members who have gained the confidence to run workshops through the group. So a busy time ahead, but we do it for the love of art!

Many thanks to Amanda for the latest news on this thriving disability-led arts group. 

Celf-Able now has a Powys Lotto page - you can support local causes and have a chance of winning prizes with the local lottery. You can find out more about the organisation by phoning 01938 810058 or emailing: admin@celf-able.org

Social prescribing - a pilot project in South Powys

Rhiannon Davies is known to many people as she was, for many years, the very active chair of Brecon Dementia Friendly Community. Recently Rhiannon has moved on to a new role in the voluntary sector in South Powys, as a link worker for a very particular project at Brecon & District Mind. I was interested to find out more, as social prescribing is becoming increasingly recognised as an important service to complement more traditional health services at the local GP surgery.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing recognises that people’s lives and health are affected by social, economic and environmental factors and these needs have to be taken into account for our wellbeing. Looking at people holistically and addressing these things takes extra time. So rather than just having a prescription for a medicine, social prescribing can help you to access a wide range of support and activities in the local community to ensure your needs are being met.

Tell us more about your role with Brecon & District Mind

I am a link worker providing a new service, provided by Brecon and District Mind, in Brecon Medical Practice on Thursdays, and Crickhowell Medical Centre on Tuesdays. It’s called Social Prescribing and it aims to help you get the support you need, when you need it, to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Why might someone need this service?

Maybe big life decisions are making you worry, so you might want to approach the decisions differently. If you are feeling lonely you might like to make new friends. If you have money problems, you might like to be more in control of your finances. If you are feeling stressed, anxious and depressed you would probably like to sleep better and feel more relaxed.

Everyone needs some help from time to time to overcome life’s challenges. The answer lies in finding the right support at the right time.

Who can be referred to the Social Prescribing service and how?

If you are over 18 and registered with either Brecon or Crickhowell Medical Practices you can ask for a Social Prescribing patient pack at the surgery reception and make a self-referral by completing a consent form. 

Sarah James, Link Worker and Helen O'Donovan, Administrator

How does Social Prescribing work?

Once you have completed a consent form, as a link worker, I will contact you to arrange an appointment at the surgery. When we meet, you can then spend time with me, letting me know your circumstances, how you are feeling, what matters to you and what you think might help to improve your wellbeing. 

Using my knowledge of community support and services, I will then help you to connect to the appropriate local community and voluntary groups, activities and advice services. This could range from wellbeing activities in your local community, housing / benefits / financial support and advice, art or music activities, support groups covering things like bereavement, relationship issues, stress or mindfulness, walking or running groups, and peer support from others who have similar experiences. 

After about three months you will have a final follow-up phone call or meeting so we can see the impact the service has had.

Why was this project set up?

This social prescribing service is part of a joint research project between Mind Cymru and local Minds, funded by Welsh Government. Understanding how social prescribing can help people overcome stress and anxiety is really important in deciding how best to develop medical services in the future. So as part of the process you will be asked some questions about how you are feeling, and your experiences before and after you have used the service.

We know that social prescribing has really helped people in other areas. By taking part in this initiative those who participate are contributing to important evidence that will help plan future health services. All collected data is anonymous.

Is this service available in other parts of Powys?

My colleague, Sarah James, is allocated link worker for Hay and Talgarth surgeries, but Brecon and District Mind is still waiting for the green light before setting up the service there. Ystradgynlais Mind is also part of the research project and has two link workers working in a similar way to Brecon and District Mind.

Which organisations do you work closely with in Powys to provide support to people?

These are early days as the service has only been running for a few weeks, but already I have made referrals to a number of local voluntary organisations, housing, Brecon Leisure Centre, Brecon Job Centre, volunteering groups, a walking group, an art group, the Centre for Long-term Condition Management and Brecon Mind Community Wellbeing service to name a few! The list of potential organisations we have collated to date is well over seventy!

What kind of feedback are you getting from people about the project?

So far the feedback has been very positive, and people are genuinely grateful to have access to such a resource. As I said, the service is still in its infancy, so we hope the numbers accessing the service will build as the word gets out.

What are the main challenges of the role?

Not knowing who is going to come through the door, it’s really important to stay open minded and really listen, so you are not just hearing what people say, but what they mean. Because it’s a new service, making sure all the healthcare professionals are aware of what it can offer and its benefits, so they see it as a regular part of their referral pathway in delivering healthcare is a genuine challenge – as is trying to fit everything in in just two working days a week!

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done in the role so far

I have met some fantastic people to date. People who struggle to see their own strengths and just need some encouragement and support to find what they already have within themselves. Being part of that process and seeing them genuinely engage and take responsibility, setting themselves goals and then, with some extra knowledge and understanding, move forward is hugely rewarding and inspiring.

When you are not working for Brecon & District Mind, how do you enjoy spending your time?

Reading, going to concerts and listening to music, walking our dog, gardening, doing volunteer work within my own community, being with friends and family. Juggling and balancing are my two constant challenges, but I’m up for it as long as I’m learning!

If you want to find out more about the Social Prescribing service you can contact Rhiannon by emailing: rhiannon@breconmind.org.uk or ring: 01874 611529 / 07487 523992. Rhiannon is happy to answer individual questions or queries about the service or spread the word by talking to community groups.