Ar y Dibyn 2026

Since 2019, Ar y Dibyn led by Iola Ynys has offered many 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.

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.

Ar y Dibyn 2026 sessions:

A series of four online taster workshops, each lasting an hour and a half, which uses creative writing as a way of reflection and self-expression.

The workshops are open to participants old and new who have been affected by addiction of any kind, and offers an opportunity to connect with others in a safe and inclusive environment without judgement.

Each session will be led by a different Welsh writer, exploring a specific theme and a unique writing genre, with Check-in and Check-out’s with a member of the core team from the project to create consistency and a secure connection for the participants.

No one has to share or contribute if they don't want to - everyone is welcome to participate as much or as little as is comfortable for them.

It is also possible to join face-to-face workshops if you live in an area where a group already exists, or if there is enough interest in a specific area or online to create a new group.

Read a more detailed explanation about the session themes and contributors below,

Session 1: 27 JANUARY 2026. 12:30-14:00

Relaxing / reflective writing

Led by Bethan Marlow

Reflecting on change, new beginnings - Light relaxing exercises

Session 2: 25 FEBRUARY 2026. 12:30-14:00

Poetry and words

Led by - clare e. potter

Session 3: 24 MARCH 2026. 12:30-14:00

Imagining Dialogue

Led by Mared Llywelyn

Session 4: 21 APRIL 2026. 12:30-14:00

Giving your identity a voice

Led by Gareth Evans-Jones

Writing that reflects our personal experiences, and the things that make us unique.

Register via the Forms link or contact Nia for more information: nia.skyrme@theatr.com

More information: 2026 sessions

More information: 2026 sessions
110.8KB PDF
Download

You can view Ar y Dibyn's previous work here.

Thank you so much to our artists, therapists and translators for their support:

Alaw Griffiths, Ann Catrin Evans, Cai Tomos, Carwyn Jones, Iestyn Tyne, Katy Mai Mared Llywelyn, Mari Elen, Mirain Fflur, Lowri Gwyn - Lingo Cyf, Sioned Lewis and Producers Nia Wyn Skyrme and Gwenan Pennant Jones.

Thank you to our previous and current sponsors:

Literature Wales, Adra (Housing), Arts Council Wales, Y Lab (Cardiff University and Nesta), Meddwl.org, Grymuso Gwynedd through Menter Môn, 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 Môn Probation Service, Maes Ni, Kaleidoscope, Pontio Bangor, Shelter Cymru, Adferiad and WAHWN.

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