Amethyst Youth Programme
Amethyst uses creativity to help build confidence, develop connections and support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in West Wales. Est 2017.
Thanks to National Lottery Community Fund, Small World Theatre’s Amethyst programme is entering an exciting new two-year phase, supporting young people aged 11–18 across Ceredigion and into Pembrokeshire.
The new programme will reinstate weekly support sessions in Cardigan, introduce Amethyst Sir Benfro, restart the monthly Uplifting Aerial group and pilot transition work with two local junior schools. There’s more, please read on!
The youth programme 2026
Monday Group
2026 referrals - open
Supporting young people aged 12-18 who are experiencing issues around anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviours, low self-esteem. We share useful information about our brains and bodies, play games and offer support using the arts to improve mental health. The group is small, friendly and inclusive. The age range of this group changes from term to term and participants are referred on to it by professionals or parent/guardians.
We aim to run two programmes a year, with start dates in the Autumn and the Spring from Small World Theatre.
Please contact Deri for more information
Uplifting Aerial Sessions
2026 referrals - open
Uplifting Aerial sessions for young people.
We are currently seeking new young people aged 14 - 24 to join our project.
Uplifting arial includes elements of aerial circus, yoga and provides information about our bodies and nervous systems.
Aged 14 - 17 - referral through a parent/guardian and those 18 - 24 can self-refer. Please contact Deri for more information
GLOW - open
A voice for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in the Cardigan area run by Small World Theatre and headed up by Faye Brightman. GLOW runs creative sessions for young people aged 11-18. Funded by Children in Need.
Find out more about this new project here.
Contact Faye, youth@smallworld.org.uk
Peer Support
Peer Support pilot programmes in two Junior Schools begin in Spring 2027. Amethyst will work with Year 6 around friendship, kindness and transitioning to Secondary School.
Grwp Celf - open
A fun, monthly art group launches for young people aged 14 - 21 who want to explore the visual arts as a way to improve their wellbeing.
Parents/guardians are able to refer their young person to this group.
Contact: deri@smallworld.org.uk
Amethyst Sir Benfro
A new group following the methodology of Small World’s Monday Group, to support young people aged 12-18 who are experiencing issues around anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviours, low self-esteem.
We aim to run one programme in 2027 & 2028. Contact: deri@smallworld.org.uk
About Amethyst
Our aims
Amethyst aims to support young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where they can:
Build confidence and self-esteem and develop a more positive sense of themselves.
Explore thoughts, feelings and relationships in a supportive environment.
Develop strategies for dealing with challenges in everyday life and find positive ways forward.
Improve communication and relationships with themselves and with others.
Feel listened to, valued and supported, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.
Develop emotional awareness and resilience by gaining a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and responses.
Have fun, be creative and connect with others through theatre and play.
How we work
We combine the arts with emotional intelligence, therapeutic theory, nervous system information, games and group discussion in a well-boundaried, safe space.
Our team works responsively and with empathy to model kindness, honesty and integrity.
Who we work with
Young people referred by schools, parents, youth organisations, Hywel Dda Health Board and other statutory and third sector partners.
What we do
We use theatre, art, music and other art forms to connect with the young people’s creativity as we know that this is enriching and helps them to process the other information we offer.
We use easy to understand therapeutic theory and nervous system information to help participants better understand themselves and their relationships and also to understand how to regulate their own emotions.
We use games to have fun, promote trust and laughter and to raise endorphins.
We use discussion to explore our thoughts and feelings and to promote understanding between each other.
How to refer
Amethyst is not an emergency service, and your enquiry will be dealt with during office time. Contact the Deri Morgan, Project Manager for information deri@smallworld.org.uk
Other Support
Anyone is Wales can access mental health support through the CALL Helpline (24-7).
0800 132 737
Urgent mental health support, call
NHS Wales 111 and press option 2
Meet the team
Who is running Amethyst sessions and who to contact for more information.
Past projects
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Celf Wyllt
Arts, health and nature project bringing creative opportunities to young people in West Wales.
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Creative support programmes to young carers in West Wales
Amethyst extended support to young carers in West Wales in May-June 2022, thanks to Carers Support Innovation Fund.
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Peer Support Programmes in Schools.
Amethyst works with 6th form students in secondary schools to train them in peer support.
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Film documentary project during lockdown.
Film documentary project during lockdown. This project began in 2021 with the aim to improve mental heath in schools. The project continues to develop.
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Ambassadors to Connect to Kindness.
Amethyst has joined the campaign to take action and ‘Connect to Kindness’ in the communities of Ceredigion.
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Legislative Theatre with parents.
A piece of legislative theatre and discussion led by parents of young people with mental health issues. We worked with the parent group to develop their personal experiences into an online performance.
