Cwm Taf launches Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Music on the wards, art therapy, reading sessions, and even concerts and drama productions will become a regular part of improving patients’ wellbeing across Cwm Taf thanks to a new strategy launched this week.
The arts can make a significant difference to the healing process, particularly those with mental or physical health challenges, memory loss or pain, and in improving patient and staff wellbeing.
The new Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out the health board’s vision of continuing to engage with patients, carers, staff, family, communities, and all our partners through the arts in its many forms.
The strategy was launched at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon in Mountain Ash by health board chair Professor Marcus Longley, with a special performance by the Tenovus choir and recognition for this year’s winners of the staff photography competition. YCC, along with the health board’s other hospitals, already regularly host a wide variety of concerts by schoolchildren and local choirs in the main foyers.
Professor Longley said: “We all know the real difference that music and the creative arts can make to our wellbeing and I am delighted that this approach will be embedded in the way we care for and support our patients and staff. Time is always a challenge but I know that our staff and volunteers have many hidden talents, be it singing, dancing, art, photography or drama that could be harnessed to good use and I would encourage people to get involved!”
Staff, patients and members of the community are being asked for their ideas to help implement the strategy across Cwm Taf and are encouraged to contact the health board to make a pledge. For more information or to make a pledge please contact Rhian.Webber@wales.nhs.uk.
