13 March 2017

Sheffield Hospitals awarded £115,000 for patient Arts sessions


Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has been awarded £80,000 by Arts Council England and £35,000 from Sheffield Hospitals Charity to fund Arts sessions for patients.

The funds will be used to provide a three year programme of creative art workshops for a range of different patient groups across the Trust.

Mir Jansen, Arts Coordinator at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals said: “Patients who are in hospital for a long time benefit greatly from taking part in sociable, creative activities. The arts sessions are not only very therapeutic for the patients on the ward, but can also aid in their rehabilitation by allowing them to take part in activities in a different environment. This funding award means that more patients across different areas of the Trust will now benefit.”

The first phase of the project is set to begin in April, with patients who are recovering from spinal injuries and patients who are receiving palliative care to benefit from the Art sessions. Two additional patient groups will also be able to take part in the sessions from 2018 onwards including patients with hearing loss and also stroke patients.

Louise Freeman, a patient at the Trusts Princess Royal Spinal injuries centre who takes part in the current arts and crafts sessions available said: “I love coming to the art groups as there are always different activities, friendly volunteers and it gives me a chance to talk to other patients. It is lovely to get off the ward and I really enjoy being creative and making my own art pieces.”

The programme will see art professionals working directly with patients and their relatives to create artworks for public display both within and outside of the hospital. Local artists will also be involved in a project creating artwork inspired by the stories and histories of palliative care patients.

David Reynolds, Director of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “Sheffield Hospitals Charity is thrilled to be able to provide funding for the Arts sessions. Thanks to the generous support of local people, we can continue to make improvements to care and treatment. The hospitals are now able to increase the sessions around the Trust which in turn means that more patients will now be able to benefit.”

Pete Massey, Director, Yorkshire, Arts Council England said: “This project is a great example of how National Lottery funding supports activities that benefit all members of the community. We know that taking part in creative activities can improve well-being and so I’m delighted that we have been able to support Sheffield Teaching Hospitals with £80,000 through our Grants for the Arts Programme towards these workshops.”


Media contact:
Emma Kirby, Communications Assistant
Tel: 0114 2713453
Email: Emma.Kirby@sth.nhs.uk
 



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