25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Project bringing isolated Pembrokeshire communities together
Fishguard Storytelling/Straeon Sir Benfro and People Speak Up have been running a series of events across Pembrokeshire, in a bid to share storytelling with people who are unable to leave their homes.
Storytellers Hedydd Hughes and Deb Winter have taken their work directly to those in residential care homes and their own homes to connect residents and reduce incidents of isolation in the area.
"Bringing the arts to those who can't get out makes them feel valued and part of the community," Ms Winter said.
"It really lifts people's spirits to listen to stories and share their own."
The 12-month project, 'Care, Share, Connect: Community Storytelling Pembrokeshire,' is using oral storytelling to connect residents of Pembrokeshire, and deliver friendly, inclusive community storytelling events, active learning workshops and one-to-one storytelling to those isolated/unable to travel.
The project started in September 2024.
Fishguard Storytelling/Straeon Sir Benfro and People Speak Up have previously worked in partnership to deliver community projects in both North and South Pembrokeshire, such as Voluntary Arts Wales (now Creative Lives).
It is hoped Care, Share, Connect: Community Storytelling will provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of storytelling.
Eleanor Shaw, founder and chief executive officer of People Speak Up, said: "We know first-hand from our previous projects the important impact arts and creativity can have on the health and wellbeing on our older communities, especially those living in rural areas of Wales.
"We hope through this project, the power of storytelling can bring more communities together, helping with health, wellbeing and isolation."
The next event will be, 'The Restless River' on Wednesday, July 9 at 7pm in Peppers Cafe.
