Following a successful grant application to Arts Council Wales, the Heulwen Unit project led by BLAS, Pontio will continue, supported by Gafael Llaw charity, for another two years. The Heulwen project works with the staff and users of Uned Heulwen in Ysbyty Gwynedd providing creative experiences to relieve stress for the young people and children visiting the unit.

Following a successful pilot in 2024, that aimed to go to the core root of why so many patients were missing appointments in the Heulwen Unit, the project has gone from strength to strength supporting more and more visitors to the unit. The intent is to relieve stress and reduce anxiety around attending appointments and to make the Unit a more welcoming place and environment. Under the leadership of BLAS, Pontio’s outreach programme, along with four artists, Henry Horrell, Eleri Jones, Manon Gwynant and Buddug Roberts who all host music, writing, arts and crafts workshops as well as visits by BLAS’ therapy dog, Sion Telor, improving visitor experience through the arts.

Following additional funding this year, including £50,000 from the Arts Council of Wales, and £35,000 from Gafael Llaw charity, ensures the project will run for another two years in the unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd. The aim is to continue with the provision of each artist hosting workshops twice a month, as well as expanding to the Special Care Baby Unit as the project continues.

Mared Huws, BLAS Co-ordinator, Pontio said ‘We’re proud to develop the Heulwen project further, a ground-breaking project in developing health and well-being provision, allowing us to continue to support children, young people and their families that use Uned Heulwen, it also allows us to work with local artists and freelancers.’

Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra, added ‘Gafael Llaw is proud to support this project and we welcome the partnership between BLAS, Pontio and Ysbyty Gwynedd, to promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the area.’

Kelly Jones, Clinical Service Manager Paediatrics (Matron), also added, ‘Since the project started the feedback we’ve received from the families of the children and young people has been extremely positive. The benefit that our patients have received from the sessions with the artists have been invaluable and has made the Unit a much more welcoming space to visit.’

The Heulwen project will continue until 2028, providing more support to the visitors of the Unit.