Freelance Project Co-Ordinator

Newport Live and The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre are working in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) to develop and pilot an Arts Referral programme integrated into the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) in Newport.

The project will scope, design and test a creative health pathway within NERS, offering supervised therapeutic creative activity to adults experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and related health inequalities. The pilot will generate evidence on whether creative interventions can become a viable and scalable component of NERS in Wales.

This is a pioneering project — as far as we are aware, arts are not currently formally embedded within NERS in Wales.

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Freelance Project Co-ordinator to support the delivery of this pilot programme from inception to completion.

The Co-ordinator will work closely with Newport Live (Lead Arts Partner), the NERS team at ABUHB, the lead artist, and the appointed external evaluator to ensure smooth delivery, strong partnership working, and effective monitoring.

Key Responsibilities Project Co-ordination & Delivery

• Develop and manage a detailed project plan and timeline
• Co-ordinate meetings between partners (arts, health, evaluation)
• Support consultation sessions with patient groups and stakeholders
• Oversee participant journey from referral to completion

Operational Co-ordination

• Liaise with NERS staff regarding referrals and scheduling
• Support the lead artist with logistics, venue arrangements, materials and access needs
• Ensure safeguarding and health & safety procedures are adhered to

Monitoring & Reporting

• Oversee collection of monitoring data (in collaboration with evaluator)
• Ensure diversity and inclusion monitoring is embedded
• Support with interim and final reports for funders and partners

Partnership & Communication

• Act as a key point of contact between arts and health partners
• Support internal communications
• Contribute to learning documentation and dissemination

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of managing cross-sector projects (arts/health/community desirable)
• Strong understanding of partnership working
• Experience working with artists and community participants
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion in participatory practice
• Confidence handling monitoring frameworks and outcome reporting

Desirable:

• Experience of social prescribing or referral pathways
• Knowledge of creative health / arts in health practice
• Experience of working with under-represented communities

Contract Details

• Freelance contract
• Approx. 16 days
• Fee: £4,000
• Based in Newport with some flexible working
• Project dates: March – Oct 2026

Please submit a CV and a short email expressing your interest to Sharon Casey at sharon.casey@newportlive.co.uk. If you prefer, you are welcome to submit a short video instead of a written email.