August 17, 2026 - 201 views
A pioneering arts and health project delivered across Conwy and Denbighshire has demonstrated the powerful impact creativity can have on mental wellbeing – while generating more than £5 in social value for every £1 invested.
Umbrella Against the Rain was a 10-month partnership between Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Conwy County Borough Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, funded by NHS Charities Together.
Running from May 2025 to March 2026, the programme supported 161 people experiencing mental health challenges, providing opportunities to take part in a wide range of creative activities including visual arts, music, dance and singing.
The project also supported staff from the partner organisations and freelance artists, who took part in wellbeing sessions and specialist training exploring the relationship between creativity and mental health.
An independent Social Return on Investment evaluation found that every £1 invested in the project generated £5.66 in social value.
The findings highlight the potential for arts-based approaches to play an important role in prevention, early intervention and improving people's wellbeing.
Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said the project demonstrated how accessible creative activities could benefit individuals while also delivering wider benefits for communities and public services.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The programme reached communities across both counties, including rural areas such as Betws-y-Coed.
Councillor Dilwyn Roberts, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Governance Services, said the project demonstrated the value of partnership working and locally delivered support.
“This initiative has been an excellent example of partnership working,” he said.
“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 found that the benefits extended beyond participation in creative activities.
83% of participants said they felt less lonely and isolated, while 79% reported improved self-esteem and 76% said they had learnt new ways of managing their mental health.
For one participant, the programme provided an important source of connection and something positive to look forward to during a particularly difficult period.
“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,” they said.
The partners say the findings add to growing evidence that arts and creative activities can make a meaningful difference to people's lives.
The results also suggest that investing in community-based creative opportunities could have wider benefits by helping people build confidence, reduce isolation, develop coping strategies and reconnect with their communities – potentially reducing demand on health and social care services.
The success of Umbrella Against the Rain provides a strong example of how collaboration between local authorities, health organisations and the creative sector can deliver benefits that extend well beyond the immediate participants, with creativity becoming an important part of a wider approach to health, wellbeing and prevention across North Wales.
