Arts, Business & Health 2018

Sponsored by Cartrefi Conwy

Winner: Cardiff University School of Medicine

Vanessa Morse & Jacques Colgate, Hijinx, Bob Colgate, Cardiff University School of Medicine & Rebecca Evans

Image by Glenn Edwards

The School of Medicine partnered Hijinx on a unique project to address a lack of training in communication and care for people with learning disabilities. The theatre company’s learning disabled actors worked with 4th year medical students on role-play clinical scenarios to improve future health care provision for vulnerable patients. A pilot held at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend resulted in a significant improvement in the way the young doctors related to learning disabled patients. The students grew in confidence and learned how to adjust their  language and approach to suit each situation. The collaboration produced tangible development opportunities, invaluable for their future careers. This innovative partnership enhances the reputation of the medical school, making it more attractive to future applicants. For Hijinx, the project is part of a broad strategy to increase regular paid work opportunities for its actors while boosting the company’s reputation as a pioneer of inclusivity.

Finalists

ScottishPower Foundation

The judges commended the support of two partnerships that had a significant impact on the health of people in North Wales. ScottishPower Foundation sponsored Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s inclusion project, enabling 130 people with special needs or mental health
issues to perform on the main Eisteddfod stage. The participants, aged from 6 to 80, worked with professional artists to create a unique piece. The Foundation also partnered Music in Hospitals & Care Cymru to deliver 35 concerts in care homes, inspiring and engaging an audience of around 900 people.

Valero

Valero’s sponsorship of The VC Gallery, which began in 2014, continues to grow and engages an increasing number of vulnerable groups. The gallery uses creative work to address mental
health issues faced by ex-service personnel and veterans, older people and those facing  emotional pressures. This unique West Wales service has touched the lives of over 7,500 individuals. The judges praised the effectiveness of this incredible partnership that now provides a hub for social services in the area.