Hospice of the Valleys - CARIAD Art celebration

CARIAD Art celebration

Over the past 5 weeks the CARIAD Group have been participating in creative and therapeutic art to enhance their well-being, where all the artefacts made have been inspired by the forest.

People living with dementia, carers, staff and volunteers have worked together to produce a communal piece of art – ‘The CARIAD Tree of Life’ – a mixed media wall hanging which represents growth, strength and resilience in times of adversity. The project was kindly supported by Tai Calon.

At the end of the project we invited family, friends, staff and volunteers along to a celebratory event to view the pieces of art work. Just under 40 people attended the event. There was a short reading of a poem which complimented the art work. There was also an opportunity for attendees to participate in a short workshop to experience some of the well-being benefits as enjoyed by our participants. We enjoyed a buffet with ‘Black Forest’ dessert to keep in with the theme. We had a nice sing along and dance at the end of a very successful event.

We are hoping to display the art works in our Hospice shops over the next few months for everyone to see.

Phil was shell shocked when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago, age 44. Not knowing where else to turn, Phil self-referred to the hospice, already aware of the service as his father- in- law had received support. “When I was diagnosed I was unsure where to turn. The hospice helped me understand my diagnosis and then explained the services they could provide to support me and my family” Shortly after Phil’s referral his specialist nurse saw he was suffering from a number of stress induced problems and suggested complementary therapy. “I was sceptical to begin with, but I could soon feel the benefits. My stress levels decreased and my sleep dramatically improved”. Phil received reflexology, massage and aromatherapy he also received these treatments when staying at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital. The treatments improved Phil’s physical and psychological symptoms, allowing him to open up, discussing his fears and anxieties in a safe and relaxed environment. “It was my oasis in life, it was me time and I didn’t get that anywhere else. I would highly recommend having complementary therapies to anyone who is unsure. They have helped me no end and I haven’t looked back since” Phil explained. During Phil’s journey he accessed a variety of the hospice’s services including family support, nursing and therapies. The clinical team worked together providing the support Phil needed. Phil was discharged from the hospice as his symptoms were controlled and stable. Although Phil was anxious about discharge, he worked with the team and knows that should anything change, the hospice is only ever a phone call away.