Al’s Story

Each Thursday morning, Lisa, our Creative Wellbeing Lead, runs creative wellbeing sessions for patients in the Day Service Unit. These beginner-friendly workshops are tailored to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can join in, adapt the activity, and leave with something they feel proud of.

Patients have tried their hand at a wide variety of creative methods, from clay work and paper crafting to woodwork projects. For Lisa, it’s not about creating a perfect finished piece, it’s about the joy of the process. She explains:

“Creative wellbeing sessions are an important part of the groups, as they can have such a positive effect on wellbeing. They can help with dexterity, provide a great social element, and offer a real sense of achievement and confidence. This is especially poignant for some patients who may no longer be able to take part in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed. To create something they are proud of and can even gift or treasure is wonderful.”

One of the patients who regularly attends is Al, who says he never thought of himself as “crafty” but now looks forward to each session.

“I like everything about the creative wellbeing sessions. They get you thinking and give you something to do. At home I just see four walls, so it’s nice to see other people and do something different. I like being hands-on and the crafts allow this to happen. Lisa is always really helpful too.”

Among his favourite projects are painting bird boxes (one is already waiting for new feathered residents in his garden!) and the much-loved beach huts, which he proudly displays in his caravan alongside his seaside collection.

“We have little shelves in our caravan, above the fireplace. On here is seagulls, fisherman etc and I have put the beach hut up there with the seaside collection.”

Al has even gifted some of his creations to his wife, one of her favourites was paper flowers which are now brightening their kitchen windowsill.

He has continued to attend the Creative Wellbeing session and says what makes the Day Service Unit special is the sense of community:

“You always expect to walk into these places and see people with their heads down. But it’s not like that here. You think you are the only one with an illness but you realise you are not alone. In the Day Service Unit we have a laugh, do different activities, and I get to take part in the things I enjoy such as the crafts.”

Lisa adds:

“I find my role very rewarding, especially when someone who says they aren’t artistic or crafty, join in and create something they are proud of. I really like helping people build memories and have positive experiences, especially with the projects that are more legacy focused.”