There is one treasured possession art therapist Fay Mitchell will keep when she retires at the end of the month.
Her trusty paint palette will go with her when she bids an emotional farewell to East Cheshire Hospice after 26 happy years.
Fay bought the item when she was an art student.
Fay said: “I’ve had the palette everywhere I’ve worked for the last 41 years so that’s staying with me.
“It has huge sentimental value because every patient who has engaged with art therapy at the Hospice for the last 26 years has used that palette if they’ve painted with acrylics.
“It’ll have pride of place at home, reminding me of working here and the lovely, wonderful patients who’ve used it.”
Degrees in fine art laid the foundations for a career which saw Fay become a highly trained art psychotherapist for charities and in education, helping guide the next generation of professionals.
Fay Mitchell in the Hospice art therapy room with her treasured palette.
She joined the Hospice as a day care therapist and activities organiser before concentrating on art therapy only.
Fay said: “Initially, I’d see outpatients in my art psychotherapy role and would garden, bake and do crosswords and arts and crafts with patients.”
Fay uses drawing, painting and sculpting to offer re-assurance to patients, focusing more on the therapeutic process than artistic skill.
That said many patients have discovered hidden creative talents which have been proudly displayed at home.
Fay said: “Art helps make a connection with patients. We’re perceived to be non-clinical, but we are.
“Patients are also well supported by health care professionals in our Sunflower Living Well Centre and each art therapy session lasts an hour at most as they’re trying to cope with their illness.
“It’s a privilege to work here three days a week. The job demands energy. I’m mindful that art therapy jobs are hard to come by and I like the idea of someone younger with energy having this wonderful job since it’s a lovely place to work.”
“I was No. 600 when I qualified and there’s still only 2,500 of us now. I was lucky because I received grants.
“Employers tend to prefer more mature therapists, though there’s a financial consideration for those slightly older who may have a mortgage, family and student debt.”
Fay will have more time to be with her family in retirement.
Art will still feature and her potter’s wheel will probably be used almost as often her prized palette.
Fay’s replacement will start work immediately.