Fears “life-saving” art sessions will be cancelled due to funding issues

“I found it genuinely life-changing” – These are the words of Samantha Gadsden when asked about Soul Creative Circle.

The weekly sessions for women aim to promote wellbeing through art in Bargoed Library. 

Samantha, 53, held her new journal – the previous one was now full – opened to a double-page spread awash with blue paint and words focused on the week’s theme of water.

She continued: “It’s a closed space and a safe environment. I’ve worked through stuff from my childhood, from my former marriage and things to do with how busy I am with work.”

Though Samantha had only first attended to support her friend, Liz Thomas, she found the sessions so useful that she made time in her busy schedule to come every Thursday.

Participants attend the two-hour meetings and journal after receiving a set of prompts, from the more whimsical to those that go a bit deeper, all around a common theme. Some may paint, while others will draw or write.

But the ultimate goal isn’t the art but the process, which can be shared, or not, with the group at the end. 

Facilitator Liz Thomas tells participants that it is not an “art competition” or “art in school” but something “beyond that” – a process where you shouldn’t judge yourself.

Liz said: “The sharing part of the session is key to everybody understanding that they’re not alone.”

“A massive gap” in services 

Liz, 39, started the group in the summer of 2023, thanks to funding from Caerphilly Arts. 

She was previously a teacher and when art helped her through a loss she decided to retrain in circle work and art journaling facilitation.

“It helped me get through things,”  said Liz, which made her realise that this could be passed on and “help so many women”.

Despite running groups and projects in other parts of south Wales, the Bargoed sessions are the only ones she runs in Caerphilly County Borough. 

Between eight and 14 women attend the meeting each week and Liz has received feedback that the sessions are “life-saving” and “life-changing”.

Liz said: “I think it gives space for people to think about themselves differently so their confidence begins to build when they start using their voice.”

It also provides a service for people waiting for interventions on the NHS. 

Liz continued: “There’s a massive gap between the services offered on the NHS, and what’s available to people and then the waiting lists are huge.”

This is why she tried to make the sessions “accessible”, Liz said: “The women here do pay £5 a week because it’s semi-funded because money is tight.”

“A moral obligation” to continue

Liz received funding from Caerphilly Arts to run the sessions, which she described as “amazing”.

However, she now fears that the group will not be able to continue after Easter due to a lack of funding. 

Liz said: “I feel personally it’s a bit of a moral obligation to continue doing something when I’ve got a group of 14 women who rely on coming.” 

Liz has seen the benefits of groups like this extend further than the weekly sessions, fostering a sense of belonging and community. 

Some have been on social nights out or attended each other’s weddings. 

Liz said: “In our adult life, it’s quite hard to create bonds and friendships that are beyond the surface, so it gives that space.”

Caerphilly Observer contacted Caerphilly County Borough Council on March 7 for a comment, but has not yet received a response.

If the sessions continue, Soul Creative Circle will take place at Bargoed Library every Thursday from 10am to 12pm. Participants are asked to pay £5 towards every session.