Delivering high quality participatory arts activities that bring communities together to combat adverse childhood experiences, loneliness and isolation – our projects connect people and generations, working with all skill levels and through all art forms.
Celtic Cafe
Celtic Café provides weekly traditional music sessions in a relaxed and informal friendly setting where people of all ages can get together – either playing instruments of just enjoying the company and a cuppa. Everyone is welcome – even complete beginners (and you can borrow an instrument if you don’t have one).
Celtic Café aims to provide a safe space for making new friends and an opportunity for family learning through the fun of making music together. We also enjoy a song and a dance and have a great track record of putting a smile on people’s faces. Catch us in Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on Wednesdays (4.30pm – 6.30pm).
“The only place as a single mum with a child ‘on the spectrum’ where I feel I can come and be ourselves – and that’s okay” (Regular attender)
“We tell him he’s coming to music and there’s a big smile on his face” (Supported living programme care worker)
“Happiness, raising of the spirits, conviviality and the joy of music. There’s nothing like music to lift the soul”
Moving with the Generations
Head4Arts has been a long-term advocate of the well-being benefits of bringing participants from both ends of the age spectrum together, pioneering opportunities where they can enjoy each other’s company through sharing activities in a safe space.
Recent projects have been developed through a collaboration with United Welsh Housing, supported by Age Cymru’s Gwanwyn funding scheme. This has enabled residents in two sheltered housing facilities (Llys Nant-y-Mynydd in Blaina and Hafod Deg in Blackwood) to participate in a series of music and movement sessions with very young children alongside their parents, facilitated by expert community dance practitioner, Gina Morgan.
As well as providing an opportunity for gentle exercise, the sessions have created a new ambience in the venues, making them more welcoming and accessible to the local community and helping to address problems of isolation.
“We have had fun, sharing laughter and smiles…” (Moving with the Generations participant Llys Nant-y-Mynydd)