Stroke recovery group puts on a great show
Colourful glass craftwork created by stroke inpatients went on display at Perth Royal Infirmary at the weekend.
Alyth-based artist Rachel Bower has been working with people using the hospital’s Stroke Rehabilitation Unit over the past four months, introducing participants to using fused glass and tailoring the process to suit their abilities and interests.
Programme participants received one-to-one sessions and also had the opportunity to join in weekend group sessions.
A wide range of the work produced by the group went on display on Saturday, including jewellery, bowls, plaques and even some clocks.
The work was created as part of the annual ST/ART art programme, an engagement project for stroke participants which is delivered across Tayside run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside.
Rachel said: “It has been a new experience for me to be working in the hospital setting and it has been great to engage with patients in such a positive way.
“I have had the time with participants to develop their interest and they have been amazed and delighted to discover what they can achieve.
“Despite their stroke, most find that taking part in the programme is a really positive, empowering experience for them.”
ST/ART project coordinator Chris Kelly added: “It is very satisfying to see the results of a successful programme and to see a new group of participants discover that being creative can contribute to their rehabilitation and be good for their health and wellbeing.”
Senior charge nurse Bernie McLaughlin declared: “The programme has been fantastic and the patients have really responded to the glass craft project.”
Charge Nurse Carol Ritchie with patients June Morrison and Larraine Johnson, with back left Lead Artist Rachel Bower and front Chris Kelly Project Great bit of ss copyss here thanks to fill the space in here