Thanks to generous donations, £35,000 will fund a two-year programme of creative activities for NHS staff across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has provided £35,000 to fund the two-year programme.

The Hywel Dda Arts & Health Team has successfully delivered a two-year pilot programme of creative activities for staff which demonstrated how the arts can play an important role in improving staff wellbeing, retention, and patient care.

The new programme will empower even more NHS staff to benefit from a diverse programme of creative activities, promoting a healthy culture of break-taking and self-care.

Kathryn Lambert, Arts in Health Coordinator, said: “We believe that the creative activity provision has already contributed to a culture change across the Health Board, in which staff are being encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

“Our incredible NHS workforce faces many challenges on a daily basis. The two-year programme will enable even more staff across the Health Board to benefit from creative activity, enhancing their wellbeing, morale and coping skills.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk