Arts Therapy
We offer a wide range of creative arts at the day hospice which helps many patients cope with the symptoms of their illness as well as offering new skills to learn and enjoy.
Many people who come to Lewis-Manning Hospice describe themselves as simply ‘not artistic at all’. However with encouragement and guidance from our Arts Therapists there is ability in most people to enjoy and achieve something that they did not think they could.
A large part of participating in the creative arts at Lewis-Manning Hospice is about discovering something new, diverting attention from symptoms, but also building confidence and self esteem. We aim to make art more accessible and help patients to discover an ability that gives them a great deal of pleasure.
We offer many different types of art to try :
- Watercolour, oil and acrylic painting
- Model making
- Jewellery making
- Hobby ceramics
- Millinery
- Floristry
- Soapstone carving
- Glass painting
- Textile work
- Special projects (making various crafts or goods for fundraising events)
Arts Therapy at Lewis-Manning Hospice is tailored to each patient's interests and desires. If there is something someone wishes to try we will do our best to accomodate it.
Rosetta Life at Lewis-Manning Hospice
Rosetta Life is an organsiation of professional artists that enables people with life-threatening illnesses to explore their experiences through various art forms such as video, photography and poetry. The creative process is very much a healing process. Experiences are shared and the stories that are told help people to make sense of their lives.
With help from Rosetta Life, a short film called 'The Best Medicine' was made featuring Lewis-Manning day hospice patients who attend on a Thursday. They give their take on what they believe to be the 'best medicine' for living with their illness.
Apart from giving a moving insight into the thoughts and experiences of the patients, there are many touches of humour throughout. The patients give a light-hearted view on things as they contemplate what is the 'best medicine' is for them.
Relatives of the participants, other patients and staff attended an official screening of 'The Best Medicine' at the hospice.
The film's underlying message is the positive effect coming to Lewis-Manning Hospice has on people's lives. 'The Best Medicine' is available for those that may come to the hospice to give a general impression of how it may benefit them. The film will also be used to promote awareness of the difference Lewis-Manning can make to those in need.
To view the film click on the image below. You will need Quick Time 7 to see it.
