Art therapy in support of stroke survivors

A new art therapy programme for stroke survivors will begin at Tŷ Llewelyn Community Centre in Llandudno on 29 June.

Brushstrokes, run by the Stroke Association and supported by Gwynt y Môr, an Innogy Renewables UK ltd community fund, will be a chance for stroke survivors to gather together and enjoy getting creative.

Art Therapy can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and provide a means of expression when words are hard to find.

The sessions will be run by art therapist Pam Hutcheson, who said:

“Those who take part don’t have to be good at art. It’s a chance to get together to reflect and relax. There’s no pressure to speak about the art or their feelings – it’s just a chance to have some fun.

“But sometimes, because many stroke survivors will have had a traumatic time during their recovery, issues are brought up as part of the sessions. As a trained psychotherapist, my role is to offer support when that happens.

“We’ll be using paints, pastel crayons and chalk and model magic, which is a bit like playdough. The stroke survivors are welcome to use paintbrushes, sponges or their hands. It’s not an art lesson, so you can’t be wrong!”

There are twelve spaces available on the first Brushstrokes session which begins on Friday 29 June and will run for seven weeks between 10am–11.30am.

The Stroke Association hopes to hold further sessions in Abergele and Prestatyn later this year.

To enquire about booking a place on the course, please call 02920 524419 or email info.cymru@stroke.org.uk