Creative arts pilot launched across CTM community hospitals to support wellbeing and reduce isolation
Patients across three community hospitals in Rhondda Cynon Taf are set to benefit from a new creative health partnership designed to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and create more positive hospital environments.
More Than Music Cymru, in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and supported by both CTM NHS Charity and the Arts Council of Wales, has this month launched Art for Life’s Sake, a five-month pilot delivering weekly creative arts and crafts sessions at:
- Ysbyty George Thomas
- Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda
- Ysbyty Cwm Cynon
The programme focuses on patients who are ready to leave hospital but are waiting for the next step in their care, such as being discharged, moving to another service, or receiving further support. This period can often involve uncertainty, reduced stimulation, isolation and anxiety, particularly for older patients and those with long-term conditions.
Led by experienced socially engaged artist Anne Culverhouse, the sessions will include painting, collage, printmaking, textiles and nature-based creative activities designed to support emotional wellbeing, social connection and sensory engagement within hospital settings.
Alongside patient sessions, the programme will also include dedicated staff wellbeing workshops for hospital teams.
The partnership builds on growing Arts & Health activity across CTM and reflects a shared commitment to more person-centred and preventative approaches to wellbeing and recovery.
Denise Lord, Project Co-ordinator for More Than Music Cymru, said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with CTM and Arts Council of Wales on this pilot.
Creative activity can have a hugely positive impact on confidence, mood and connection, especially for people who may otherwise have limited access to arts and cultural experiences during periods of ill health or isolation.
We hope this project creates meaningful moments for patients, carers and staff alike, while also helping us better understand how arts and health partnerships can be embedded within community healthcare settings.”
Abe Sampson, Head of Charity at CTM UHB, said:
“This project is a great example of how creative approaches and local charities working together can support wellbeing within healthcare environments.
Periods of transition in hospital can be very isolating and emotionally difficult for patients. Projects like this help create calmer, more stimulating environments while also supporting staff and wider ward wellbeing.
We’re really pleased that CTM NHS Charity has been able to support this partnership alongside Arts Council of Wales and More Than Music Cymru, and we’re excited about the learning and opportunities this could create for Arts & Health work across CTM.”
The programme will run over 20 weeks across the three hospitals, with opportunities at the end of the project to showcase artwork created by patients within hospital spaces.
The project will also include ongoing monitoring and independent evaluation to help understand the impact of creative engagement on patient wellbeing, ward environment and staff experience, with learning intended to inform future Arts & Health development across CTM.
To find out more about More Than Music Cymru, visit: More Than Music Cymru
To learn more Arts & Health and charity projects across CTM UHB, get in touch with our CTM NHS Charity Team.
02/06/2026