Patients are loving our online creative activities, particularly when they are more likely to be stuck at home to keep as safe as possible during the pandemic. Not only are they interesting virtual sessions in themselves; they can also have a positive impact on how a patient feels and their physical symptoms.
Take Jacky, who is living with Motor neurone disease (MND) and who has been helped by care from the St Richard’s In-patient Unit team and at our Living Well Centre before the pandemic, and who now has support online.
Jacky sent a lovely message to our Creative Therapist Mary and Occupational Therapist Emma in the Living Well team:
“I’m so proud as I made this card myself. Great exercise for the hands and brain. I really feel like I’ve achieved something. I know it’s a Christmas tree but you are both stars. ⭐⭐”
Jacky said, “I do art club on a Wednesday morning and Christmas card making in the afternoon so it’s my hospice day. It’s good to meet others in the group and socialise. We share our work and are supportive of each other. You don’t have to draw, if you don’t want to, as a video is put on to watch instead and it’s interesting to learn about different artists, old and modern.
“It’s only 40 minutes, so not too tiring. I find the sessions give me something to look forward to in the week. It breaks my week up and keeps me focused on what day of the week it is. I feel a real sense of achievement that day. I live alone and it brings all the benefits of hospice into my home without having to travel.”
Jacky’s not the only one who has been busy making Christmas cards. Other patients and carers are joining the four-week card making course on Zoom.
If you’re looking for activities to keep you inspired and creative, check out our themed pages