Fant- art- stic chance to brush up skills
Two Ayrshire College students are helping people with mental health needs through their art workshop, Brush Strokes.
Lyndsay Duncan, 35, from Coylton, and Sam McMath, 37, from Troon host art support classes every Monday and Wednesday morning at St Columba Church Hall, Ayr.
Brush Strokes offers a relaxed environment for people with mental health issues to socialise and get involved in art projects.
Lyndsay and Sam who study Art and Design together were inspired to offer their services after reaching out to Voluntary Action South Ayrshire.
Now they are given free rein to deliver fun workshops for the group to get involved in.
Sam said: “Art therapy is important for people to relax and feel that they are able to express themselves.
“This group is open to anyone, at any level of artistic ability, we cover a range of talent.
“It’s a real privilege to get involved with Brush Strokes.
“The social aspect of it is really important. A lot of people who attend have anxiety issues and a few of them have said that it’s one of the main social aspects of their lives.”
Lyndsay added: “We’ve just went in as us, we haven’t approached it by saying ‘ I am your teacher’, and they’ve all welcomed us. They really engage with the workshops and ask for advice, which is really nice, I love having a blether with them.”
Both Lyndsay and Sam have been supported by the Inclusive Learning team at Ayrshire College throughout this venture.
Lorna Wales, inclusive learning assistant at Ayrshire College, added:“From the inclusive learning side, I’ve worked with Sam and Lyndsay really closely and they’ve worked so hard. They are star students!”