Creativity, Compassion, and Connection: How Art and Therapy Dogs Are Transforming Wellbeing in Cardiff

At Mental Health Matters Wales, we believe that creativity can be a powerful tool for wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board to provide therapeutic art sessions at Lakeside, The Heath Hospital in Cardiff.

These sessions, delivered by our Wellbeing Team, offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their creativity, express emotions, and connect with others. Whether through painting, drawing, or other artistic activities, participants are encouraged to embrace self-expression as part of their mental health and dementia support journey.

Art has long been recognised as a means to enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and build confidence. By incorporating creative sessions into mental health care, we help individuals develop new ways to communicate, find joy in the process, and strengthen their sense of identity.

Aligning with the Cardiff and Vale Dementia Strategy & the Well-being of Future Generations Act

Our work aligns closely with the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Dementia Strategy 2018-2028, which envisions a community where individuals are dementia-aware, receive timely diagnoses, and have access to person-centred care delivered with kindness. Our therapeutic art sessions directly contribute to this vision by:

Promoting Dementia Awareness

Encouraging creativity fosters understanding and empathy within the community.

Facilitating Person-Centred Care

Each session is tailored to support the unique needs of individuals with dementia, helping them engage in meaningful activities that enhance their quality of life.

Supporting Carers

Our programs provide respite and opportunities for carers to connect with others, aligning with the strategy’s goal of empowering carers.

Additionally, our initiatives contribute to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which aims to improve Wales' social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being. Our work supports several of the Act’s well-being goals, including:

A Healthier Wales

Promoting mental and emotional well-being through creative expression.

A More Equal Wales

Ensuring individuals with dementia and their carers have access to inclusive and enriching activities.

A Wales of Cohesive

Communities: Strengthening social connections and fostering supportive communities.

A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language

Encouraging creativity as a means of cultural engagement and expression.

By embedding these principles into our services, we ensure that our efforts not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term well-being of individuals and communities in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

A Special Thank You to Lara and Roo

Beyond our art sessions, our Wellbeing Team extends support in many meaningful ways. One heartwarming example is Lara and her therapy dog, Roo, who have been visiting St David’s Hospital since last June. Their presence brings comfort, companionship, and moments of joy to patients, relatives, and hospital staff.

Therapy dogs provide a unique form of emotional support, helping to ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and encourage social interaction. The impact of these visits cannot be overstated, and we are incredibly grateful to Lara and Roo for their passion and kindness in supporting our hospital communities.

Supporting Wellbeing Across Cardiff

Through these initiatives, we continue to champion mental health and dementia support, ensuring that patients receive holistic care that nurtures both emotional and social well-being. We’re proud to work alongside Cardiff andtheValeUniversityHealthBoard, The Regional Partnership Board Cardiff and the Vale, and Pets As Therapy UK in creating a more compassionate and connected healthcare environment.

Stay tuned for more updates from our Wellbeing Team as we expand our creative and therapeutic support services across Cardiff and beyond!

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