Powys Mental Health Blog: Radiate Arts - boosting mental health in North Powys

Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Radiate Arts - boosting mental health in North Powys

L - R: Jenny Botha & Pam Gordon of Radiate Arts
Claire Powell & Jackie Newey of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

Claire Powell (Community Connector for Newtown & Llanidloes) and I recently paid a visit to Radiate Arts CIC (a community interest company) at its current base in North Powys. Radiate Arts is a not-for-profit organisation which delivers creative workshops in the community. Each workshop is tailored to the group, but the goal remains the same – to use art for mental and physical wellbeing.

We caught up with Pam and Jenny of Radiate Arts at their beautiful lakeside location high in the hills to find out more about the organisation’s current activities. We also learnt more about how art can have such a positive impact on people’s mental health.

Why is art so important for wellbeing?

Art can provide a space for relaxation and focus. Participants on our courses often comment about how creative activities help them forget their worries and it gives them headspace to focus on something new. The social element of our workshops is also a big benefit, as it encourages others to get out and meet people too (socially distanced of course).

It's important to remember that using creativity as a way to relax has real benefits. People who do art, or write regularly, tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress. It's even been known to lower blood pressure, improve sleep and reduce chronic pain. These, among other benefits, can improve your overall quality of life and help you to feel more content.

Where is Radiate Arts based?

Our Creative Hub is located under 5 miles from Llanidloes town centre. This is our main location for our art workshops, and we work across Chester and the west of England too.

We overlook the Clywedog Reservoir, so there are some stunning views across the valley. We’re lucky to be placed in such a beautiful location. In fact, we use the beauty of nature to inspire us in our work and for green prescribing.

Tell us a bit more about the workshops

We run a wide range of workshops, from stone carving, painting, sketching, macrame, creative writing and printing - there's something for everyone!

We lead workshops for those who may not have had many opportunities to interact and participate in creative spaces before, or had access to these facilities. We provide a safe space to develop positive feelings of self-worth, mindfulness and mental awareness through a creative process.

Have you ever tried to use art or poetry to relax? Sometimes it's hard to know where to start...many of our participants have found success in unlocking their creative intuition through our inclusive workshops.

Creativity is for everyone, regardless of skillset.

Are workshops open to the public?

Yes, we run workshops which are open to the public, but you will need to book in advance. All of our live public workshops can be found on our Eventbrite page here.

Do you run creative workshops for community groups, as part of social prescribing?

Yes, we do! Social prescribing workshops from referred groups, form most of our workshops at our Creative Hub. Examples include stone carving with ex-service personnel, to printing with care homes.

Radiate Arts recently ran an outdoor photography workshop for ex-army veterans in partnership with The Armed Forces Covenant Fund's 'Positive Pathways Programme'.

The course, called 'Creative Freedom,' saw participants roam the beautiful landscape of Mid Wales, taking photographs along the way. The aim was to increase physical and mental wellbeing, and was spread out over three days on the hillsides nearby the Clywedog Reservoir. You can read more on our blog here.

Who leads the workshops?

We have a team of expert artists who deliver the workshop in their field. They are experienced with hosting groups, and enjoy sharing their artform with others. We host an Artist Q and A on our blog, which you can read here.