Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru

Since 2019, Ar y Dibyn has offered almost 200 creative workshops and talks, across Wales, face-to-face and online, to support those affected by addiction.

The aim of the project is to encourage creativity in order to process our experiences of the world through short, playful tasks to spark our imagination and let new ideas blossom. The aim is to produce heartfelt, brave and ambitious work within a space where everyone can express themselves freely, without judgement.

So far, approximately 1000 participants - both new and returning - have produced written work, artwork, and have worked on writing and producing an original film; all based on their individual experiences and emotions.

Protecting the wellbeing and mental health of our participants and artists is key due to the emotional nature of the project, and professional health experts are on hand at each session to offer advice or to chat to when needed.

We're extremely proud of the incredible and powerful work that has developed from the sessions. It's an honour to present this work to our audiences; from live performances, to virtual presentations.

Our lead artist is Iola Ynyr, with support from artists, counsellors and translators which currently include Alaw Griffiths, Cai Tomos, Carwyn Jones, Iestyn Tyne, Mared Llywelyn, Mari Elen, Mirain Fflur, Lowri Gwyn- Lingo Cyf a’r Cynhyrchwyr Nia Wyn Skyrme a Gwennan Pennant Jones

Our current and previous sponsers include Literature Wales, Adra (Housing), Arts Council Wales, Y Lab (Cardiff University and Nesta), Meddwl.org, Grymuso Gwynedd through Menter Mon, North Wales Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse.

And thanks also to our supporting partners: AM, Caniad, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, ICan/Gisda, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, Galeri Caernarfon, Gorwel, Substance Misuse Service (Isgraig, Llangefni and Bron Castell, Caernarfon), Gwynedd and Mon Probation Service, Maes Ni, Kaleidoscope, Pontio Bangor, Shelter Cymru, Adferiad and WAHWN.

Details of upcoming workshops:

We are currently preparing to start a new round of sessions across Wales. To let us know you're interested, please click here to fill in the form.

If you are interested in arranging a 1:1 session, please email nia.skyrme@theatr.com and she will be able to organise an informal chat with the project's lead artist Iola Ynyr for you.

Maesgeirchen Workshops

19 September, 12:30-14:00
26 September, 12:30-14:00
03 October, 12:30-14:00
17 October, 12:30-14:00
24 October, 12:30-14:00

Location: Maes Ni, Maesgeirchen

Llangefni Workshops

04 October, 11:00-12:30
11 October, 11:00-12:30
18 October, 11:00-12:30
25 October, 11:00-12:30
08 November, 11:00-12:30

Location: Canolfan Ebeneser, Ynys Môn

Gweithdai Aberystwyth

24 October, 13:30-15:00
31 October, 13:30-15:00
07 November, 13:30-15:00

Location: Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Image of people of varying ages sat at a table together. Almost everyone is smiling and laughing. There are pieces of paper, pens and water bottles all over the table. There is graffiti on the wall behind them with the words 'Bangor' painted in the middle.

Feedback and Creative Work

The first workshops were held in Galeri Caernarfon in 2019, followed by a live reading of the written work created during the sessions. Watch a video of the reading here:

Ar y Dibyn Podcast:

In 2022, artists Mari Elen and Iola Ynyr hosted creative workshops specifically for Welsh-speaking women living with substance misuse in the Gwynedd and Anglesey area. As part of this project, a special podcast was produced exploring the project's impact and the participants' different lived experiences. From readings of creative writing, to an opportunity to take part in some of the activities from the comfort of your own home, the podcast gives a unique insight into the project.

This is a Welsh language podcast. Listen to a taste of the podcast here, or click the button below to explore the full episodes.

Listen

Taster: Ar y Dibyn Podcast
Episode 1 - Addiction
Episode 2 - Internal Weather
Episode 3 - Carwyn

Take a peek below at the creative work produced as part of the sessions, and read some of the participants' feedback:

Artists

Here are the incredible artists who help guide the workshops and support our participants:

Counsellors

Here are the counsellors with whom we work closely during the sessions to ensure our participants' and artists' wellbeing and mental health are protected:

Artist Training Workshops

An important aspect of the project is to train new artists so they feel confident in working with vulnerable participants. Here are some images from our artist training workshops in Cardiff and Caernarfon:

1. Image of woman sitting down at a table. She is smiling with her mouth open and is holding her arms up mid-way with her palms up. She is looking off-camera. There is a pen, a notebook and an ipad on the table in front of her.

2. Middle aged woman sits at a table surrounded by water bottles, note pad and pen. She has her hand up and her mouth is slightly open. She is staring off camera

3. Young woman is sat at a table facing the camera. Two other women sit in front of her with their backs to the camera. Her eyebrows are raised and she covers her mouth with her hand. There are water bottles, coffee cups, pieces of paper and pens on the table.

4. Middle-aged woman sits at a table. Another person sits in front of her with their back to the camera. The woman is looking off camera and has a half-smile on her face.

5. 4 women sit at a table. Two women have their backs to the camera. The two other women face the camera. One of them is talking to another and has her mouth half-open. The other woman is writing something on a piece of paper. There is a takeaway box, water bottles, notebooks, a laptop and pens on the table.

6. Middle-aged woman sits at a table. Her arms are resting on the table and she has a pen in one hand. She is smiling with her mouth open and looking off camera.

7. Middle-aged woman sits at a table. Her mouth is half-open. She is holding a piece of paper in her hand and is looking down at it.

8. Two women sit a table. One is a young woman who has a notebook on the table in front of her. She is looking down at the notebook. The other woman is middle-aged and is looking towards the notebook.

9. Two middle-aged women and a younger woman sit around a table. The young woman has her mouth open, her hands are up and she is looking at a piece of paper on the table in front of her. The two other women are looking at the young woman.

Images by Kristina Banholzer and Kirsten McTernan

HELPLINES

Drugs and/or Alcohol

DAN 24/7

DAN 24/7 is a free and bilingual telephone helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information and / or help relating to drugs and / or alcohol.

The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone number: 0808 808 2234 (Dan 24/7 telephone number will NOT appear on your home itemised bill).

Text DAN ar 81066

Go to dan247.org.uk

Adferiad Recovery

adferiad.org.uk

01792 816600

E-mail: info@adferiad.org.uk

CAMFA

Offers counselling sessions if you have suffered from problems/ suffer from problems relating to alcohol or/and drug misuse.

https://www.cais.co.uk/services/camfa/

Mental Health

C.A.L.L Helpline (Community Advice and Listening Line)

Offers emotional support and information/literature on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales.

Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service. C.A.L.L. Helpline offers a confidential listening and support service.

FREEPHONE 0800 132 737

Or text HELP to 81066