Halloween arts and crafts lift spirits of young patients
Poorly youngsters in hospital have been entertained with an exciting programme of activities recently.
Patients and staff on the Children’s Ward at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust celebrated national Play in Hospital Week.
At the centre of the fun and games was the RUH’S Artsparks programme, which offers young patients creative workshops as well as arts and crafts activities every Wednesday.
RUH play specialist Jo Powell said: “When children and young people come to the hospital it’s a very different environment for them but play can help them adjust to what can be a stressful situation.
“At the RUH we’ve found that play creates an environment which reduces stress and anxiety and helps our young patients cope with their illness and recover more quickly.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of the children and their parents with smiles on their faces.”
Organised by Art at the Heart, the RUH’S in-house art and design team, Artsparks aims to keep little ones occupied while they are on the Children’s Ward and take their minds off what can be an unsettling experience.
Artists Edwina Bridgeman and Charlotte Stowell are regular visitors to the Children’s Ward where they run workshops that include painting, collage, drawing and modelling.
Charlotte said: “As one of the artists delivering these sessions, it’s always a pleasure working with young people and families exploring creative materials and ideas.
“We work with a range of different techniques, so there’s always something new to try.
“This week we’ve been making Halloween-themed collages, wreaths and models.
“I’ve been helping the play specialists make a background scene for a new wall display in the play room, and patients have started adding their Halloween creations.”
Patient feedback about Artsparks has been overwhelmingly positive.