Our Craft Group have completed an art therapy course

Our fantastic Craft Group, run by our Wellbeing Coordinator, Jo Lister, have recently taken a new direction. As part of a ten-week course, the group have been creating art as a form of therapy. They have been very fortunate to be supported by Wendy, an art psychotherapy student on placement at the Hospice.

As an introductory first session, each participant was invited to consider the things they love and that form their identity. This could include people, places, smells, food, music, or anything else. Using these components, they then made a mask to represent themselves.

Over the following nine weeks, the group engaged in a diverse range of activities, each designed to reflect a part of their life experiences and personalities. From cotton bud art to mosaics, and pattern-making to a group installation of sunflowers, the group explored a variety of art forms. One week, they even created fun pompom monsters to give away at Pride Wakefield.

The ten-week art therapy course was very successful and popular, with thirty people attending one week. One participant reflected: "I felt comfortable, safe, and secure here. Everyone made me feel welcome."

Alongside Jo and Wendy, four volunteers also played a crucial role in the group's activities.

Jo told us: “The last ten weeks have been fantastic. It’s amazing to see how participating in the art activities has improved the mental and emotional wellbeing of our patients and carers.”

If you are interested in our art sessions, further information can be found on the Wellbeing webpage, or you can contact Jo Dunford, our Wellbeing Lead, on 01977 781451.