Art therapist Rhiannon Fogarty-Wilkinson paints an impressive picture of East Cheshire Hospice.
She has just started work there after replacing Fay Mitchell who retired last month after 26 years’ service.
A defining moment was a placement at a Welsh hospice. It gave Rhiannon an insight into how art psychotherapy benefits patients with life-limiting illnesses.
A past involvement in care work had already stimulated a long-held interest in mental health and psychology.
Rhiannon said: “I had a job with a care worker as an undergraduate during Covid and that convinced me it was the direction I wanted to go in.
Rhiannon Fogarty-Wilkinson in the art room at East Cheshire Hospice.
“During my Masters in art psychotherapy, I developed a deeper understanding of the value of art as a tool in psychotherapy.
“It can support those experiencing low mood, heightened anxiety, isolation or feelings of uncertainty about the future. These emotions we can explore together.
“The Hospice gives people access to a place to talk and an outlet to express themselves.
“They’re visiting an understanding environment offering support and helping them process their experiences.”
Rhiannon said: “Everyone here is so welcoming. The Hospice offers such a wide range of services with many groups, events and therapies which support people with different diagnoses.
“All art forms have benefits. Clay gives a tactile sensory aspect of crafting a physical object with your hands.
“Painting can involve knowing what you want on the page or simply making a mess with abstract shapes and pushing paint around.
“Different colours and textures can evoke, or represent, different feelings.”