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Art 4 Health - a carers perspective….

I spend most of my days wishing it was Tuesday, the day I go to Art 4 Health. The only time in a busy week when I get some real me time. Our tutor is caring, enthusiastic, supportive and passionate. Passionate about art and passionate that we all enjoy being creative as a form of self respite. For 2 hours we are able to think about nothing else apart from 'this week's project'. I'm never happier than when I have a paint brush in my hand.

We have a go at various mediums such as drawing, watercolour, acrylic and my personal favourite collage.

I don't always enjoy everything we attempt but have a go anyway as we move onto the next subject pretty quickly and I know there will always be something I do like coming up soon. Most of the members are either carers, or have mild anxiety or depression so our classes also act as a therapy session, we chat, have a cuppa and generally support one another. The 2 hour session goes by much too quickly and as soon as we are out the door we are talking about what we will be doing next week. I dread school holidays as there's no class, but we do have the opportunity to attend various workshops, this year there has been silver jewellery, batik and ceramics to keep the creative juices flowing. We have had a couple of exhibitions and received very good feedback about our work.

What I love the most is the fact that you don't have to be the worlds greatest sketcher or painter to produce some wonderful art work - the whole point is to have ago and enjoy it!

For the 2 hours I'm there I don't think about hospital or appointments or worrying about my son, I put my head down and get on with the task in hand. It has given me a new outlook on life and a deep love and appreciation for a subject I always thought was beyond my capabilities.

Tracy Callow - parent carer.

If you are interested in accessing Art 4 Health classes please phone the Adult Education Service on 558164 or contact your Carer Support Worker for further information.