Stroke survivors’ sculpture session
STROKE survivors from Halton have been showing their creative side by making a range of purple flower sculptures.
A workshop was held at the former B&Q unit on Dennis Road in Widnes to celebrate the Stroke Association’s national awareness month.
Six stroke survivors and carers took part in a workshop organised by the Stroke Association in partnership with LifewithArt, a charity which helps young and disabled people throughout the UK through education in the arts.
The workshop was led by artist Faith Bebbington.
Stroke survivors used newspaper, wire and coloured tape to make individual petal shapes which they each decorated.
Faith then bound them together onto wire stems to make the flower sculptures.
LifewithArt chief operating officer, Bethan Honeywill, said: “At LifewithArt we believe that art and the creative process play an important role in enriching lives, reducing isolation, nurturing self-esteem and encouraging inclusion.
“We are delighted to be working with the Stroke Association in our Widnes Charity Arts Centre and to be doing our bit to Make May Purple!”
The Stroke Association provides an information, advice and support service and communication support in Halton, in partnership with Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and Halton Borough Council.
During May, the charity is calling on everyone in Widnes to wear purple and raise vital funds, to show their support for people who have been affected by stroke.
Stroke Association information advice and support co-ordinator, Alison Gilfoyle, said: “To celebrate Make May Purple, we gave the LifewithArt team a brief of producing something purple, possibly involving flowers, and after much discussion, we decided to create irises.
“The workshop with Faith was fantastic; all of the participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to craft something colourful and creative.
“This year we’re also calling on the local ● community to get involved in Make May Purple.
“Whether you choose to hold a bake sale, take part in an event or get sponsored to dye your hair, there are so many easy ways to show your support.
“Across the UK, more than a million people are rebuilding their lives afterf stroke.
“By supporting Make May Purple you can help us to make sure stroke gets the attention it deserves and to raise vital funds for innovative research into stroke care and treatment.” ● For more information visit www.stroke.org. uk/makemaypurple