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.

Our recent 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 were 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 was 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.

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

Session 1:

Relaxing / reflective writing led by Bethan Marlow

Reflecting on change, new beginnings - Light relaxing exercises

Session 2:

Poetry and words led by - clare e. potter

Session 3:

Imagining Dialogue led by Mared Llywelyn

Session 4:

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
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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.

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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.

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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

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CAMFA

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

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