Therapeutic workshops brightening patients days
Date of release: 18 October 2023
Art workshops funded by charity, and run by passionate volunteers, are brightening up days for patients at Wolverhampton’s West Park Hospital.
Sid Kumar, who is recovering from brain injury, has been able to enjoy therapeutic arts and craft sessions during his hospital stay thanks to funding by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity.
“I really enjoyed the workshop I took part in; it brightened up my day. I can’t wait for the next one,” said Sid.
The 47-year-old from Park Dale was admitted to the Neurology Rehabilitation Unit (NRU) at West Park Hospital on August 22 after a fall caused a bleed on his brain.
He said: “I drew a butterfly which I am very proud of, it was great to do something different and also chat to the other patients taking part.”
Organised by RWT Arts and Heritage Group and the Patient Experience Team Volunteer Services, the first series of Arts in Health workshops ran from April to August this year. Patients are now eagerly awaiting the launch of the next programme, which will run from this month until March.
Through the sessions, patients learn new skills and produce their own artwork which they can keep. Patients attending the October workshop will be decorating photo frames with autumnal designs.
Sarah Cleaver, Senior Sister on NRU, said: “It has been fantastic having the workshops at the unit.
“It has increased morale for staff, patients and their relatives and has created a real buzz around the place.
“It has really helped lift the mood of our patients, and relatives love to see what their loved ones have created during the session.”
The sessions are led by a team of RWT volunteers, including Gurpal Matharu.
Gurpal, who has been a volunteer since January, said: “I always wanted to "give something back" and this is a great opportunity to help and make a small difference.
“The staff and patients are always happy to see us when the activity takes place.
“It's very satisfying that this programme offers some variety and different faces for the patients to engage with and takes them away from their normal, hard day to day routines.”
Elinor Cole, Arts and Heritage Project Co-ordinator, said: “We’re really proud of the West Park Arts in Health programme and excited to be launching the next series of crafts sessions.
“The workshops earlier this year went down a real treat, with lots of patients on the NRU getting involved and making some beautiful crafts.
“We’re very grateful to our team of fantastic volunteers, who support the programme by delivering craft sessions twice a month on the NRU. Their dedication is extraordinary.”
