A display of artwork by St Richard’s Hospice patients is currently on display at St Andrew’s Church Parish Centre, Droitwich and also in shops around the town all on the theme of the charity’s snowdrop emblem.
This, and a recent display in St John’s, Worcester, are examples of the hospice developing community links which are important for patients.
Working with the community often creates a focus for patient led creations and provides links between the hospice and galleries, museums and heritage sites which some of our patients find difficult to access because of their illnesses.
The exhibitions also give the general public a chance to see much of the extraordinary creative work which goes on at St Richard’s.
Hospice creative therapist Mary Jenkins said, “St. Richard’s Hospice offers many forms of support. One of these is through creative therapy. Wherever possible, creative therapy embraces the different ways patients choose to express feelings of anguish, fear, hope, reassurance, acceptance, guilt or confusion.
“Collaborative pieces work well to break down barriers, boost self-esteem and promote bonding between individuals. Showing the work gives patients the opportunity to express themselves, sharing the skills they learned and embracing and celebrating the talents of the many individuals involved. “
Much of the work takes place with patients attending the Day Hospice at the centre in Wildwood Drive, Worcester. A growing team of creative volunteers give up their time to pass on a host of skills to benefit the patients and the diversity of projects undertaken.
Pieces created by patients currently on display in Droitwich include paintings in a variety of mediums, glasswork and cushions.
Previous collaborations have included working with a mosaic artist on a project titled From Pieces to Peace. Six large mosaics were created across the hospice including by day hospice patients and young and adult carers.