Groundbreaking community arts project delivers significant social and economic benefits across Conwy and Denbighshire
A pioneering arts and health programme
A pioneering arts and health programme delivered collaboratively through a partnership between Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Conwy County Borough Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has demonstrated significant benefits for mental wellbeing while generating an impressive social return on investment.
‘Umbrella Against the Rain’, funded by NHS Charities Together, ran between May 2025 and March 2026 across Conwy and Denbighshire. The 10-month project brought together 161 participants experiencing mental health challenges, who took part in a range of creative activities including visual arts, music, dance and singing. In addition staff from the partner organisations, alongside freelance artists, participated in wellbeing sessions and specialist training focused on creativity and mental health.
An independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation found that the project generated £5.66 of social value for every £1 invested, highlighting the positive impact of arts-based approaches to wellbeing and prevention.
Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said “As the demand for accessible mental health support continues to grow, projects like ‘Umbrella Against the Rain’ provide a compelling example of how the arts can not only contribute to healthier communities, but also deliver significant social and economic benefits for public services, partners and the wider public. DLL is pleased to have been involved in such a successful project, which clearly demonstrated the transformative impact creative engagement can have on individuals and communities.”
Councillor Dilwyn Roberts, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Governance Services, said "This initiative has been an excellent example of partnership working. I am delighted that the project reached communities across both counties, including rural areas such as Betws y Coed. It demonstrates how locally delivered, arts-based wellbeing activities can support prevention and early intervention in mental health - reducing pressure on our statutory services and importantly helping people reconnect with their communities through creativity."
The evaluation findings showed a range of positive outcomes, one participant said: "It has been something good to look forward to in a very tough time in my life. I have enjoyed the connection with nature and the calming effect of the activities. I hope very much that there will be other events like this I can attend."
83% of participants reported feeling less lonely and isolated, 79% experienced improved self-esteem and 76% learnt new ways of managing their mental health. These findings add to a growing body of evidence demonstrating that arts-based interventions can make a real difference to people’s lives and have the potential to reduce pressure on health and social services.
Posted on 17/08/2026