Olivia

Breaking the stigma around talking openly about mental health is something we strongly believe in here at Tanio. Last year, our Chief Exec, Lisa, wrote an open blog post about her own journey with mental health for the Green Ribbon Arts Festival, and you can give it read below:

“Hello – I’m Lisa, Chief Executive of Tanio (formerly Valley and Vale Community Arts) and this is my first ever blog… please bear with me.

At Tanio we work with many people who have mental health issues (the reality being who doesn’t have a mental health issue at some point?) Depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, grief, isolation… we believe that engaging in an arts project can help recovery or sometimes avoid a person reaching crisis point. We work to encourage everyone to express themselves creatively – this can be through visual art, creative writing, crafts, music, drama – however they like and by doing that create a safe and non-judgemental place that isn’t focussed on what is ‘wrong’ (hate that word!) with you. It’s a space to connect, maybe learning some coping strategies along the way but mostly to be present and have fun. Just because a person has a mental health issue doesn’t mean they can’t have fun and laugh… and I should know.

I was first diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2009. Since then I have been on medication and off medication.  I was also lucky enough to be able to get some CBT sessions with a great therapist.  Now I use the techniques learned as well as some of my own I have found along the way to manage my mental health (the main one is I got a dog and I have to look after her as she can’t do it herself!) I don’t know about any of you but in the depths of my illness reading is a big no-no. My brain just can’t compute the words, but free writing or creative writing really helps. Just getting those feelings written down and then being able to close the notebook helps me get on with the day.  I also do my best to be around the people I love and laugh (see, I said we can still have fun and laugh). It isn’t always easy, and I know I’m not always a ray of sunshine to be around, but the space to have a giggle, sometimes at my expense at the silly things my anxiety won’t allow me to do, is so cathartic. It doesn’t make me better, but it reminds me that I can get better.

Whether the arts are used in a passive (listening to music, watching TV – I watch a lot of quiz shows when I’m unwell!) or active way (attending workshops, creating art) for you and your situation, I believe they can have a huge impact on our mental health. At Tanio we will continue to deliver workshops and projects to engage with those who need us most.  If you would like to know more about our work, get involved in a project or work with us please do get in touch – [email protected].” 

Let’s get talking this World Mental Health Day, and beyond.

Breathing Space – “Building confidence and community through creativity”

Our Breathing Space groups are free, weekly drop-in creative arts sessions where you can come along, try something new, and meet like-minded people in your area. So far, we have 3 groups up and running but another 3 launching in September 2021!

Here are the top 5 things to know about Breathing Space:

1. You’ll always get a warm, friendly welcome

There’ll always be a cup of tea and a relaxed atmosphere waiting for you at Breathing Space. We know that sometimes it can be scary to try new things and meet new people, which is why there’s never any pressure to stay or to come every week.

2. It doesn’t matter what kind of creative stuff you’re into – we cater for all!

Are you into painting? Sewing? Music? Dance?  Writing? Drama? Or, are you brand new to being creative? Our facilitators are all creative artists who specialise in different disciplines. Even if they’re not an expert in the thing you want to do, they’ll be able to cast a creative eye on your work and give you the confidence to be brave.

3. It’s a safe space for you to express yourself

Doing something creative can lift our mood and help us work through issues we might have in our lives. Breathing Space will always be a place where you can take time for yourself: where you can reach out for help if you need it and focus on the things that you enjoy.

4. We love to collaborate and work on projects together

Every so often, our groups have visits from specialist artists, where you can try your hand at something really unique. This could be anything from willow weaving to song writing… the opportunities are endless!

5. You can join us any time!

Our groups run weekly for most of the year, and you can come and join us at any time. To come along, just pop us an email at [email protected]

Here is some information about the current groups that are up and running:

Bettws (currently full)

When? Wednesdays, 11:00 – 1:00

Where? The Chapel, Sardis Media Centre, Heol Dewi Sant, Bettws

Pontypridd

When? Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00

Where? St David’s Uniting Church, Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd

Porthcawl

When? Wednesdays, 12:30 – 2:30

Where? Awel-Y-Môr Community Centre, Hutchwns Terrace, Porthcawl

Bridgend (for 18 – 30 year-olds)

When? Starting Monday 6^th September, 1:00 – 2:30

Where? Mental Health Matters Wales, Union Offices, Quarella Road, Bridgend

Bryngarw

When? Starting Friday 10^th September, 2:00 – 4:00

Where? The Education Centre, Bryngarw Country Park, Brynmenyn, Bridgend