THURSDAY, 23 MAY, 2019

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 2.30PM, SATURDAY, 25 MAY 2019, THE STROKE REHABILITATION UNIT, STRACATHRO HOSPITAL, BRECHIN

Stroke patients artwork on display at Stracathro

A remarkable collection of art and craft work created by stroke inpatients went on display at the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Stracathro Hospital today (Saturday).

A wide range of the work produced by participants of the annual ST/ART programme is on display, including prints, bags, cushions and lampshades.

The work was created as part of the annual ST/ART projects for stroke participants which is delivered across Tayside. The project is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside.

Lead artist Jude Gove and volunteer artist Pamela Scott worked with inpatients at the stroke rehabilitation unit over the past four months. They tailored a variety of processes to suit the participants using a range of printmaking and crafts techniques including mono and linocut printmaking, felting and textile products.

Participants received one-to-one sessions from Jude and had the opportunity to join in weekend group sessions run by Jude and Pamela and allowed participants to work together in a social atmosphere.

ST/ART project coordinator Chris Kelly said, “It is gratifying to see a new group of participants being inspired by different techniques and materials. The work is always individual and they discover that being creative is good for their health and wellbeing and can make a positive contribution to their rehabilitation.

“Jude is highly experienced and has a strong relationship with the unit staff. The work she leads is integrated and is recognised for its contribution to people’s motor skills, task planning, execution and how it improves mood and builds confidence. These are all key factors in the rehabilitation journey. We could not make this important contribution without the support and belief of staff and we really appreciate their commitment which is important to the ongoing success of the programme.”

Jude said, “I have been delivering this programme at Stracathro for a number of years and every time I am welcomed as member of the team. Over the years we have evolved the work I deliver and we’re confident about the person-centred approach that we use. For every participant this is a new and unlikely adventure. Most participants think they will not be able to do much at all but are amazed and delighted to discover that they can. We work together to create some very accomplished pieces like the felted cushions which is a really positive, empowering experience for them.”

Charge nurse Sandie Japp added, “We know the art programme helps each individual differently but we are still amazed at what they achieve. The pieces they produce can defy their own and their families’ expectations and the work often becomes a marker of their journey.”

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138