Lines of Communication

workshop image

Workshop Programme

During the project a series of workshops have been held at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for patients on the Lewin Rehab Ward.

The workshops have been designed to encourage patients to communicate through the making of artwork and have focussed on the process as key.
The monoprinting workshop encouraged ten patients to make imagery around different themes, for example, feelings, frustrations, movement and communication. Using the printing rollers and a selection of unusual drawing materials and implements (sticks, brushes, pencils etc) patients manual dexterity was exercised and sharing equipment encouraged communication between the participants.

Four hospital staff (from the occupational therapy and speech and language therapy departments) assisted with the workshop providing valuable knowledge and monitoring of each individual patients abilities, condition and well-being.

At the conclusion of the morning, many artworks were created, each one an individual expression of emotion. Colour and mark making were indicative of the suggested themes and patients were inventive in the use of the provided materials. It was clear that the experience had given patients an opportunity to express emotions in a new way and to find a new language with which to express themselves.

Evaluation of the workshop concluded that it was an overall success – 100% of patients enjoying the session and 90% wanting to participate in future workshops. The staff also evaluated the workshop positively, all agreeing that both they and the patients benefited by taking part and keen to arrange future workshop sessions.

Images from workshops held during Early 2005