In Conwy and Denbighshire, the Co-producing Community Narratives project worked with communities in Pensarn and Bruton Park to explore how people experience place amid social, economic and environmental pressures. Through informal, arts-based engagement rooted in everyday settings, residents were invited to share their stories, concerns and hopes in their own words and at their own pace.
Across both locations, creative activity became a way to open conversation, not only about hardship, but also about belonging, pride and the value of spaces that bring people together.
Creativity in trusted community spaces
In Pensarn, sessions took place at the Abergele District Foodbank within The Hive community hub, a space already deeply embedded in local life. Using postcard-making, drawing and writing, participants were invited to reflect on what Pensarn means to them, supported by relaxed conversation and optional video interviews.
The informal, drop-in nature of the sessions allowed a wide range of voices to be heard, including people experiencing food insecurity, housing difficulties and mental health challenges. Many participants spoke warmly of the area’s friendliness and familiar landmarks, while emphasising how vital The Hive is as a source of connection, dignity and support.
Everyday pressures and overlooked needs
Alongside expressions of pride and belonging, participants in Pensarn spoke candidly about deprivation, mental health struggles and a lack of investment in local infrastructure. Transport emerged as a significant barrier, with residents feeling overlooked in terms of services and connectivity. For some, isolation and limited support had serious consequences, reinforcing the importance of accessible, community-led provision.
In Bruton Park, Denbighshire, engagement took a more observational form. Through repeated visits involving sketching, photography and pop-up creative activities, the project documented the rhythms of life on a social housing estate and its surrounding green spaces. Conversations revealed concern about environmental neglect, including overflowing bins, litter and damage to a local nature reserve that had not been repaired.
Loss of space and the desire for connection
Residents in Bruton Park also spoke about the loss of shared spaces, including the closure of a former community hub, which had left gaps in communication and cohesion. Some expressed scepticism towards council-linked initiatives, shaped by past experiences and a sense of being unheard. Family-friendly activities attracted the most consistent engagement, pointing to a strong desire for safe, welcoming opportunities to come together.
Across both communities, people expressed a wish for care, visibility and genuine investment — not only in infrastructure, but in relationships. The creative approach enabled honest dialogue, revealing how environmental quality, trust and access to shared spaces are deeply tied to wellbeing and community pride.
