Blanced Hywel collaborative artwork has Eisteddfod covered

Hundreds of stories, experiences and acts of care have been woven into Blanced Hywel / Hywel’s Blanket, a striking large-scale artwork created by staff at Hywel Dda University Health Board, which will be officially unveiled at Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las on Wednesday (5 August).

Led by textile artist Llio James, a series of workshops were held across Hywel Dda sites where staff were invited to create individual yarn wraps using recycled NHS blister-pill packs collected by Pharmacy teams and yarn remnants donated by Pembrokeshire woollen mill, Melin Tregwynt.

The artwork has been specially commissioned for display at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, before being permanently housed within Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The official launch will be in the Education Room of the Y Lle Celf at 5pm on Wednesday, 5 August.

Kathryn Lambert, who leads Hywel Dda’s Arts and Health Team said: “The simple, repetitive act of wrapping yarn offered opportunities for respite, creativity, mindfulness, connection and reflection, with each contribution becoming an integral part of this collective artwork.

“The Hywel’s Blanket project was inspired by the rich textile heritage of west Wales - from traditional quilt-making to the region’s historic wool industry.

“Hywel’s Blanket celebrates creativity, sustainability and community. It reflects the collective efforts, care and dedication of the people who support the health and wellbeing of our communities every day.”

The project forms part of an NHS Make Art Not Waste campaign, which promotes creative approaches to reducing and reimagining NHS waste through artistic interventions that enhance wellbeing and healthcare environments.  

It has been facilitated by Hywel Dda’s Arts and Health Team as part of a wider Creative Activities for Staff Wellbeing Programme funded by Hywel Dda Charities.

Artist Llio James said: “There are so many elements of these projects that I’ve genuinely loved, but one of the most rewarding has been watching staff take a moment to pause, to work freely and creatively within an environment that’s usually anything but.

“It’s been wonderful seeing participants use the same materials and guidance yet produce outcomes that are completely their own. Each yarn wrap carries its own personality; no two are ever alike.

“I’ve also loved witnessing how an idea that began in my mind has grown far beyond me; shaped and expanded by everyone who took part in the workshops. Their involvement is what brought it to life; I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Kathryn continued: “I would like to extend special thanks to Hywel Dda Charities; the staff who participated; Hywel Dda Pharmacy Team for collecting waste blister packs; and Melin Tregwynt for generously donating the yarn used throughout the project.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities said: “We are delighted that kind donations to the charity have enabled us to support Hywel’s Blanket through charitable funding. This project has brought staff together while creating a lasting artwork that celebrates the dedication of those who care for our communities every day. It’s wonderful to see it showcased at the National Eisteddfod.”

Staff member Nicola Jones said: “We all found the session so relaxing and engaging and the idea behind the final art piece using recycled medical materials is a fantastic idea and is something special to be a part of.  Having the time out together as a team to do something creative and also to sit and connect is so valuable.”

Another staff member Rebecca Palfrey said: “The team really valued the chance to have some space and time to do a relaxing activity while at work. It was nice to have everyone chatting together as well, with a focus that wasn't 'work' based for a couple of hours. I think everyone went away much more chilled than they came in!”

Arts and Health is used to refer to all work with creativity, arts and culture that supports people’s health and well-being. This is an important part of how the Health Board delivers health and well-being services to patients and staff.

To find out more about arts and health at Hywel Dda and how to get involved, please visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/arts-and-health/.