Innovative Pilot Scheme to Refer Young Patients to the Arts – The Wellbeing Studio, Art on Prescription Scheme

A new pilot scheme in Bangor will offer a unique 'arts prescription' to 16-30-year-olds thanks to a partnership between Gwynedd Council's Community Arts, theatre company Frân Wen, Bangor Bodnant Surgery, and Bangor University's Department of Student Wellbeing.

The Wellbeing Studio will promote wellbeing by providing arts sessions designed to take a preventative approach for 16–30-year-olds. Through referrals from the surgery and the university, individuals will gain access to a variety of drop-in and intensive sessions tailored to their needs.

Participants will join sessions that use the arts to address anxiety, lack of confidence, difficulty socialising, and loneliness. All sessions will take place at Nyth, Frân Wen's creative home in Bangor. As an inspiring and safe space in the heart of the city, Nyth offers the ideal setting for this project.

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for the Department for Economy and Community, said:

"I'm proud of the Council's role in this forward-thinking plan. It's encouraging that individuals and organisations can talk openly about mental health issues, and it's exciting to see creative approaches helping those affected."

Elgan Rhys, Head of Engagement at Frân Wen, said:

"We are proud to collaborate with our partners on The Wellbeing Studio. This initiative is an opportunity to bring the transformative power of the arts into the lives of young adults experiencing challenges. We aim to establish Nyth as a haven that nurtures and supports healthy wellbeing."

Referring Patients

Bodnant Surgery in Bangor will refer young people to this new service.

Dr Nia Hughes, of Bodnant Surgery and Clinical Lead for Arfon, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, said:

"The GP surgery is delighted to collaborate with Frân Wen, Gwynedd Council, and Bangor University on this special scheme. We welcome the opportunity to support young people in our community with mental health challenges in an alternative and creative way."

Open Call for Artists

Four artists with experience in theatre will be selected to receive training from experts in counselling and art, equipping them to deliver meaningful and effective sessions for participants.

The scheme will be implemented over a six-month period, with applications closing on January 10, 2025.

This pilot scheme seeks to provide diverse arts opportunities for young people while also developing and training more artists from Gwynedd to deliver arts and wellbeing work.

The project will be fully evaluated, with a focus on measuring the social value of the intervention for participants.

For further information see below, or contact Elgan Rhys at elgan@franwen.com

This scheme is funded through the Arts Council of Wales' Arts, Health, and Wellbeing Lottery Fund.