Patients at the Hospice in the Weald in Pembury, Kent, are creating colourful works that are bringing them happiness. Students from Sevenoaks School run inspiring creativity sessions, raising the young people’s spirits. In these interactive workshops, kids make their own pieces of considered ceramics and imaginative clay creations. They want the most competitive participant pool possible, including those with life-threatening health issues.
Nicola King was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the young age of 31. She broke down in tears about what these sessions have done for her quality of life. She called them a “shot of creativity,” and highlighted how important they were to her own life.
“These sessions mean everything,” – Nicola King
The workshops are run by Steph Hall, who leads the Living Well team at the hospice. Hall highlighted the importance of accessibility to creative services, stating, “One doesn’t have to be at the very end of life to access services.” This welcoming mindset makes it possible for people in all phases of their healthcare experience—from patients to caregivers—to participate in arts programming.
The workshops are run by students in years 11-13 at Sevenoaks School, working directly with hospice patients. Sofiia, a year 11 pupil, on why these sessions have been so important. She added that they provide a “very centering experience,” giving students that opportunity to interact with patients in a meaningful way.
Andrew, one of the 18-year-old participants Andrew’s thoughts on the collaborative and creative process in action. He stated, “Usually when we look at art I think we only look at the final product but in a way I think we often ignore this experience of making things together.” This feeling rings true for most participants, as they build relationships with each other and the shared experience of making art.
Nicola King told us that these creative workshops really transform the environment and atmosphere at the hospice. She even called them “the icing on the cake.” The environment is one of friendship and encouragement, as creators create together on their individual artistic endeavors.
“Some of these people we’ve met throughout this journey, and they’re only here for a certain period of time, but we get so close to them throughout art and I feel like art is the kind of thing that really, really brings us together,” – Sofiia
Steph Hall facilitates each session with an acute focus on creativity, both leading participants and supporting them in their creative expression.
