Clwb Crefft (online)

“The best medicine for my mind and body I have done as a group and individual therapy”

Clwb Crefft was a creative nature project aimed at improving wellbeing that took place in Spring 2025 within Parc Dolerw, Newtown. Some participants were experiencing anxiety and depression and the project aimed to support their wellbeing. Led by Oriel Davies and in partnership with Powys Teaching Health Board, Open Newtown and Plant Life, seven weekly outdoor sessions offered craft-based activity, shared food and peer support centred around a campfire circle in green spaces adjacent to the Gallery.

Artist team Jeanette Gray and Gareth Fysh-Foskett delivered a programme encompassing weaving , and green woodworking, mindfulness practices, poetry, foraging, rambles and cooking over fire, providing expert tuition and resources that supported individual and group creativity. In their feedback participants commented positively on the project and how it provided new learning and skills, enjoyment, increased connection to nature, new friendships and useful strategies for improving their wellbeing. The project has been evaluated by Justine Wheatley.

The project was funded by Arts Council of Wales.

Clwb Crefft is based on an arts and nature wellbeing model developed by Oriel Davies with creative practitioners working with traditional craft skills to support the wellbeing of adults in North Powys.

Animator Efa Blosse-Mason produced a thoughtful short animation based on feedback from one of the project participants.