A Powys-led arts and health programme has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The Express Yourself initiative, led by Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB), has been named in the running for the Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation at the Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru 2025.

Originally developed by PTHB’s Speech & Language Therapy team, the programme was created to offer creative support for adults living with communication difficulties linked to neurological conditions. It has since grown into a series of drama and movement workshops, led by local arts professionals including Shakespeare Link, helping participants build confidence, express themselves, and reconnect with their communities.

One participant said: “It pushed me out of a comfort zone I didn’t even realise I was in. Using sounds and speech was tricky for me, but because of the nature of the sessions, it didn’t feel like speech therapy.”

Project Lead Ceinwen Douglas said: “We’re thrilled to see Express Yourself recognised at a national level. This project has shown how creativity can unlock potential and foster meaningful rehabilitation. We’re proud of every participant and grateful to our partners and funders for believing in the vision.”

The programme has been delivered in collaboration with PTHB’s Arts in Health initiative, with funding support from the Arts Council of Wales through The Arts Health and Wellbeing Fund, and the Powys Health Charity.

The award ceremony will take place later this year.