Golau Caredig Group impact report — The Power of Connection and Creativity

May–October 2025

Over the past months, our sessions at Golau Caredig have grown into something truly special — a warm, creative community where residents connect, laugh, and rediscover joy through meaningful activity.

From quizzes and musical bingo to tile painting and seasonal crafts, each session has supported the residents’ wellbeing in a different way. Together, we’ve seen the power of occupation — ordinary activities that make extraordinary differences.

Building Connection and Belonging

What started as small group sessions has become a regular highlight in the Golau Caredig calendar. Residents have remembered the sessions and turned up ready to join in. This consistency shows the growing sense of familiarity, comfort, and belonging that has developed over time. Participants now regularly suggest future activities, helping to shape sessions themselves — whether that’s bingo, arts and crafts, or a music quiz. This shared decision-making has empowered participants to take ownership and feel part of something that truly belongs to them.

Joy, Laughter, and Togetherness

Laughter has been a constant theme throughout. From the competitive fun of team quizzes to the shared creativity of craft sessions, every activity has brought people together. Residents encouraged one another, shared memories, and enjoyed moments of pure fun and connection.

As one participant beautifully put it:

“It motivates me to come down here just to listen to all of you.”

That sense of togetherness — of being seen, heard, and valued — is at the heart of everything we do.

Creativity and Confidence

Creative sessions such as tile painting and Halloween wreath-making have unlocked self-expression and pride. One resident who rarely speaks became engaged during the painting activity, proudly showing her artwork to the group — a moment that captured the power of creativity to build confidence and connection. Through these sessions, residents have not only created artwork but also meaningful memories that they’ve chosen to display in their homes, symbolising a renewed sense of achievement and identity.

Movement and Wellbeing

Physical activities like balloon games and seated dance have brought energy and movement into the room in an accessible, inclusive way. Lively music, gentle stretching, and laughter-filled moments have supported both physical health and emotional wellbeing — proving that movement can be joyful, social, and achievable for everyone.

Cognitive Engagement and Reminiscence

Activities such as musical bingo and quizzes have helped stimulate memory, recall, and concentration. Recognising songs or answering quiz questions sparked storytelling, laughter, and shared nostalgia — strengthening cognitive skills while celebrating life experiences.

Our Impact So Far

Across the sessions, we’ve seen:

• Improved social connection and reduced isolation

• Increased confidence, creativity, and communication

• Enhanced mood, engagement, and emotional wellbeing

• Greater participant involvement and ownership in planning

• Consistent attendance and enthusiasm from residents and staff

  
  

Together, these sessions have created far more than an activity programme — they’ve built a community of joy, belonging, and purpose at Golau Caredig.

We’re proud to see the difference that occupational therapy-based activities can make — inspiring confidence, laughter, and connection every week.