In 2023 we facilitated a series of Creative Wellbeing sessions with service users of SHED Service for High Risk Eating Disorders, many of whom were struggling to engage following the pandemic. The project was led by two experienced facilitators – Katja Stiller, our therapeutic arts facilitator, and Abigail Apollonio, an OT and artist from SHED.
The aim of this project was to give participants a positive focus using the creative process, building on their strengths, reminding them of who they are beyond their diagnosis, increasing their confidence and self-esteem.
In the sessions we offered different art forms and celebrated everyone’s achievements. Weekly on-line sessions brought the participants together in a calm, safe environment. We offered relaxation and mindfulness techniques as well as opportunities for group members to express themselves creatively through drawing, photography, creative writing, video poetry, art and music. We built trust, shared our experiences, celebrated our achievements and explored positive coping mechanisms.
The participants worked together to create a booklet called The Waiting Room which is available in English and Welsh in print and is also downloadable in the links below.
The idea for the booklet came from group members sharing their experiences of their often difficult journeys. The group wanted to help other people and thought that it would be great to have a booklet in the waiting rooms of hospitals, made by people who had been there before:
We created this booklet as we think we may have experiences similar to yours. Each of us contributed in different ways, sharing or experiences, talents and creativity. Great things happen when you find a safe space. A safe space to explore the creativity that we all have inside us, free of judgement and full of connection and acceptance.
Project Participant
The project provided learning for all the partner organisations, Breathe Creative, SHED – Service for High Risk Eating Disorders, and The Arts for Health and Wellbeing Team, Cardiff & Vale Health Charity.
This project was funded by The Arts Council of Wales, The Baring Foundation and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Download a copy of the booklet:
