This tool was developed as part of Cultural Cwtsh, which was an online creative wellbeing hub for the health and care workforce in Wales, created by the Arts Council of Wales in collaboration with artists across the country.
In partnership with the Arts Council of Wales, we’re excited to share this mental wellbeing tool, alongside with many other creative resources, with everyone in Wales!
Focusing on an activity can help take your mind off things.
I wish to share the joy beauty and restorative value of working outside in nature. Whether this be in your local park a visit to a woodland or a social garden. These videos aim to highlight Wales’s enchanting plant and wildlife.
Increased time spent in green spaces can result in a regulated heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, reduced aggression, improved memory skills and cognitive function, and a healthier immune system.
Foraging for materials to use in making things, gives space and time to relax, also to observe nature’s forms and shapes and view the changing wildlife. It also gives us the opportunity to absorb more vitamin D.
The videos provide activities that can be created in five minutes (Mandala) ten minutes for the (wreath) and one to two hours for the (garden obelisk). You can also add more time to each activity. Focusing on an activity can help take your mind off things.
I hope you enjoy these videos!
Download the How to Make A Garden Obelisk PDF, which outlines further instructions, supplier list and UK foraging laws.
Download the How to Make A Wreath PDF, which outlines further instructions, supplier list and UK foraging laws.
Download the How to Make A Mandala PDF, which outlines further instructions, supplier list and UK foraging laws.
About Helen Malia
Helen Malia is a visual artist specialising in outdoor arts. These include sculpture installations and interventions in the landscape. Helen has exhibited her work locally in Wales at Gallery 39 Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History, internationally in Ghana Finland and Canada.
Helen is also a socially engaged artist working with schools, local communities, arts in health projects arts students and universities.
Helen is also Creative Director of Coedwig Creu.
Garden Obelisk filmed by Antonia Salter
Wreath Making filmed by Joe Kelly.
Mandala Filmed by Joe Kelly.
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