The Waiting Room - A Creativity for Wellbeing Project

We worked with participants from SHED Service for High Risk Eating Disorders during Spring/Summer 2023. Weekly sessions explored different topics and art forms e.g. creative writing, photography, animation, art, as well as different relaxation techniques.

During one session we discussed waiting for a medical appointment; many find the time in the waiting room very difficult. We talked about what could make it easier for patients and what could help them deal with anxiety and the sensory overload of a hospital waiting room. We created a booklet filled with artwork, creative writing, images and activities which also acknowledges the challenges of the recovery journey.

‘I am so proud of you

Waiting here is an achievement

It is a really hard thing to do

To wait and to keep fighting

I know

Because I waited here

Just like you.’

(First page of the Booklet ‘The Waiting Room’)

We created a safe space. Our sessions became an important part of the participant’s week and a positive focus in their lives. The time spent together allowed the participants to look beyond their diagnosis, to build on their strengths and learn new coping mechanisms. Creating a booklet to help others also provided the group with a meaningful focus, an opportunity to celebrate their creative talents and to work as a team.

Feedback from participants:

“This group got me back into art again”

“I find the group very uplifting, also meeting the others has been really beneficial.”

“The art group for me has been a space to breathe, a safe space to just be, I love the variety of ways I can be creative, a relaxing setting, being with people that don’t need any explanation.”

“I have started being creative again in the sessions and during the week.”

Feedback from the partner organisation (SHED):

“It is great to see the participants in a different context, they are so much more open, engaged and relaxed and I didn’t realise how talented they all are.”