Bethan Parry, UK

The name of this piece is Cwtch (pronounced COOTCH, OO as in BOOK) which is Welsh for Hug.

After living in isolation due to thepandemic many have a new insight into mental health and loneliness. Not everyone feels able to re-join the world and to integrate with others. The Cwtch necklace is a response to not being able to be touched or held by another person, where people must practice self-soothing. Cwtch is worn to feel embraced, protected, secure and safe.