A traditional pastime is helping bring people together with two popular community journalling groups helping tackle social isolation and improve wellbeing.
More than 50 residents have taken part in journalling sessions in Cwmbran and Abersychan, using writing to reflect on their thoughts and feelings to help manage stress and anxiety.
In Cwmbran, 20 residents joined a 12-week Holistic Journalling programme at The Forgehammer CIC in July, led by local artist Angela Ferreira.
Alongside journalling, participants were introduced to mindfulness, meditation and self-care techniques, providing practical tools to improve their wellbeing, and developed new friendships in the process.
Following its success, a number now run their own ' Peer-led Holistic Journaling' group, which meets at The Forgehammer every Thursday from 10am until 12pm.
Amanda Herbert, from Thornhill, who attended the course and now volunteers in the group, said: "Journalling can be life-changing, even in small ways. I've met wonderful people who have embraced the opportunity and are really coming into their own.”
The arts-based programme and materials was funded through a £2,000 Members' Choice Grant from Torfaen Council, with every participant receiving their own journal.
Alice Bosley, from Forgehammer CIC, was instrumental in getting the project off the ground, recognising its potential and working with her local councillor Cllr Haynes, the artist and the Council's communities’ team.
Meanwhile, Cat & Crow CIC launched journalling sessions at Coedwedd Community Hub in Abersychan in February, which take place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm.
With around 8 participants attending each week, the success of the group has since expanded to The Forgehammer CIC and Cwmbran Library, opening the activity up to more residents.
Kat Marriott-Wait, who runs the group with her husband Gareth, said “Journalling can be as simple as sitting with a pen and paper and having the time and space to privately put thoughts onto a page.
"You don't need to be a writer or arrive knowing what to say. We help people find a starting point and they decide how much they want to do or share.”
"The outcomes have been great, with one participant feeling the group has helped her rebuild confidence and reconnect with life beyond the sessions, and another expressing an interest in starting a community group of her own."
Cat & Crow CIC was awarded £19,880 in Trailblazer funding, funded by the UK Government through the Welsh Government, to deliver 48 wellbeing sessions, including journalling-based activities.
Both projects have been supported by the Council’s Community Capacity Building Team, who works alongside communities to turn local ideas into action by helping secure funding, connecting partners and volunteers, and supporting community-led projects to develop and grow.
Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council's Executive Member for Communities, said: "These Torfaen Deal inspired projects show how relatively small, targeted investments can make a lasting difference.
"They bring people together, reduce isolation and give residents practical ways to improve their wellbeing, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”