Our last event

Albert Einstein once said that creativity is having fun, and this has been the inspiration for our recent Croeso Cynnes sessions, celebrating the powerful link between creativity and improved mental health. When you allow yourself to become absorbed in a creative task, you give your mind a welcome break. Artistic expression provides focus, a sense of control and purpose, and can help you feel more at ease by setting worries aside for a while.

We began with an exploration of neurographic art – or Neurographica. Developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev, it is both creative and therapeutic, requiring very few materials and making very little mess – ideal for trying at home! The process involves drawing free flowing lines and shapes to form intricate, often abstract designs. As you gradually turn any sharp corners into smooth curves, the act becomes calming and meditative, a way of acknowledging and processing stress. A wash of watercolour to finish produces a unique and eye catching piece, as many of our guests happily discovered.

At Croeso Cynnes #1 in July we welcomed the hugely talented landscape painter Tim Baynes, who made a special trip back to Laugharne to lead a live painting session. His masterclass, inspired by local features (Long Lane), was packed with insights into perspective, colour, movement, light and shade. As Tim worked with acrylics, explaining his methods, guests watched an evocative image take shape before their eyes. Many were then inspired to respond to their own inner muse, creating something equally evocative and personal, each painting completely unique and vastly different. Hearing comments such as ‘Croeso Cynnes is always an informative event’ and ‘There’s always something different to try’ as people left was immensely rewarding, and we are grateful to Tim for sharing his time and talent with us.

It has to be said too that we are very grateful for all the volunteers who have supported Croeso Cynnes in its development over the last two years. Yes, in September we will be two years’ old and this could not have happened without the support of the Memorial Hall Committee, Parc Cynog Community Fund, St Andrew’s Lodge, Carmarthen, and Steve Kirkwood as well as both kitchen crews and all the others who give freely of their time each month to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. 

Our team of volunteers both in the kitchen and socialising with guests is growing, but there is always a space for a warm smile and extra pair of hands if you are ever free to help. Contact Jo on 07803933981   

For more details please follow local social media and the Croeso Cynnes Facebook page or contact Jonathan directly on 07703524203.