Theatr Cynefin, in collaboration with Psychologist Sarah Gregg, is proud to announce the rollout of the ‘Coming to Our Senses’ creative mindfulness course to five health boards across Wales, marking a significant expansion from its initial success at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. This innovative project, funded by both the Arts Council of Wales and the NHS, offers healthcare professionals a powerful tool to manage stress, improve mental well-being, and build resilience.
Addressing an Urgent Need
Healthcare professionals in Wales are facing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. A recent wellbeing survey from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board revealed that one-third of staff feel they cannot continue in their roles due to overwhelming pressures. The ‘Coming to Our Senses’ course directly addresses these challenges, using applied theatre, group dynamics, and mindfulness practices to provide both immediate relief and long-term strategies for maintaining mental health.
“This course has been so worthwhile, and I would highly recommend it to all staff,” said one participant in the programme.
Innovative Approach
The course, developed and delivered by Iwan Brioc of Theatr Cynefin, a Social Innovator, Mindfulness Teacher and Theatre Director, is unique in its combination of mindfulness practices and applied theatre techniques. The curriculum includes creative challenges, sensory exercises, and reflective journaling, all designed to create an experiential learning environment. Participants gain an embodied understanding of core mindfulness principles, helping them to navigate stress both personally and professionally.
“Rather than just sitting and talking, you’re using these tools to act out your life and your thoughts,” noted a participant, emphasizing the active, creative nature of the course.
Another ICU Nurse reported that “I’ve learnt more about myself and gone deeper doing this work than I ever did with any counselling I’ve done previously.”
Funded by Arts and Health
The expansion of the course to five health boards is made possible by funding from Arts Council Wales and the NHS, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of arts in health interventions. The course blends creativity with therapeutic practices, helping staff to process their experiences in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Positive Feedback from Trainers
The course’s Train the Trainers programme has also received glowing feedback from participants. Anne, a trainer, shared: “This was one of those transformative experiences that stays with you, colouring and changing the way that you think. It will have a hugely positive impact on how I engage with groups as an artist working in healthcare and the community”.
Proven Impact
An independent evaluation of the course showed a significant improvement in well-being among participants. At Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, 79% of participants reported that their well-being had improved as a result of the course. The course’s success has been further validated by participants who have continued to use the techniques in their everyday lives.
Expanding Reach
With the expansion to five health boards, ‘Coming to Our Senses’ aims to broaden its impact, supporting more NHS staff across Wales. The course has the potential to revolutionize how healthcare professionals manage stress and build resilience, with a focus on compassion, creativity, and mindfulness.
Rigorous Evaluation by CHEME
To ensure the ongoing success and scalability of the programme, the Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation (CHEME) at Bangor University will conduct a comprehensive evaluation over the next 12 months. Their report will help quantify the long-term benefits to the NHS, with findings presented to NHS managers to explore match funding opportunities for further expansion
The savings to be made for the NHS by investing in staff wellbeing are crucial to make. Our NHS might depend on it!
You can find out more about Iwan’s work in the talk he gave to Mindfulness Wales.
For more information on upcoming sessions, please check the Theatr Cynefin website at www.cynefin.org or email iwan@cynefin.org
Funded by Arts Council of Wales and NHS, this groundbreaking mindfulness initiative supports healthcare workers in high-stress environments.