Jim started to visit our hospice craft group 2 years ago when his late wife Deirdre was receiving outpatient care to ease the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
After an initial suggestion from our hospice team for Jim to visit one of our Bereavement Café’s for support, Jim felt that he wanted to do something creative so when he was told about our weekly craft group he decided to come along.
Deirdre would often be at the hospice for periods of time whist receiving care, so the craft group was the perfect place for Jim to visit, so he could take some time away to do something that he loves, with the reassurance that his wife was being looked after.
“The craft group is a fantastic place to make friends and socialise, it supports patients and their families and has given me the chance to do something therapeutic and that is a change from daily life.”
Jim now visits the craft group, which is solely run by a team of volunteers twice a week and during this time has had the opportunity to create some beautiful pieces of artwork including canvas paintings of a picturesque boat scene, a place Jim and Deirdre had previously visited. Making this a sentimental and personal memory of a lovely holiday they took together.
Other pieces include a striking canvas of a cat and a more recent one that Jim has been working on is a visual of a pelican. He originally sketched the design onto a thin piece of wood, using a wood burning tool Jim then scorched around the design, added some colour using paint and then varnish to finish. Jim loved creating this piece so much that he took it home with him to continue working on it.
Jim talked about how much the weekly craft groups have helped him navigate through such a difficult time and about the care his wife received:
“The staff at St. Rocco’s are unbelievable and go out of there way to help. There is always someone to talk to if you have a problem or need help.”
Volunteer Geoff who runs the Friday craft group also commented about how crucial these groups are to both patients and their loved ones, as it is an opportunity for them so come into a safe and welcoming environment, where they can take a bit of time for themselves to be creative but also make some great friends along the way.
“I like to introduce new and creative ways for our members to visualise their art, things like canvas painting and wood burning allow them to extend their creative skills and learn something new.”
St. Rocco’s volunteers run many different craft groups throughout the week which patients and families can come along to and show off their creative flare! They also support with making craft items for many of our events during Christmas and Easter as well as items across the year, many of which are available to buy in our hospice reception and Vitality Centre.
If you would like to attend a craft session, please speak to the Warrington Integrated
Palliative Care Hub on T: 0333 366 1066.
To to speak to us about Volunteering opportunities at these groups please get in touch T: 01925 575 780 E: enquiries@stroccos.org.uk
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