Art in Healthcare and Artist Jen Bradley help BTO get creative
BTO Solicitors LLP is currently sponsoring Art in Healthcare to achieve positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the wide range of people we work with.
Art in Healthcare’s work to develop services for people affected by dementia has been a particular focus of the sponsorship agreement with BTO this year. Having sponsored the Art in Healthcare fundraising exhibition at the Arusha Gallery in Edinburgh earlier this year, including a ‘dementia friendly’ tour, this autumn, BTO will be supporting art workshops for residents at Hillside View care home in Paisley. BTO has also supported the installation of 27 works of art from the Art in Healthcare collection to create a homely atmosphere for the residents at Hillside View and inspire their creativity.
Margaret O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Most people with a dementia diagnosis will experience memory difficulties and problems with thinking. Their needs will change as their disease progresses and their loved ones and carers will be affected by this change too. Everyday skills can be affected, such as cooking and driving, and the opportunity to develop some new skills through art can have a really positive impact on self-esteem.”
In preparation for these workshops Jen Bradley, visual artist and visual arts facilitator, and Margaret O’Connor, Chief Executive at Art in Healthcare, recently ran art sessions at BTO’s offices to allow BTO staff to explore various art materials, such as watercolour pencils, paints and mono-printing techniques. The aim of these taster workshops was to introduce those who are new to art materials and to encourage those who are already familiar with them. A number of the staff who have experienced these taster sessions will volunteer to assist at one of the Hillside View art workshops that are scheduled to take place later in the year.
Art in Healthcare serves the whole of Scotland and feedback from patients, residents and staff has shown that displays of art make a real difference, impacting positively on their general health and wellbeing. Taking part in art activity will add further to this benefit by providing an opportunity for the care home residents at Hillside View to explore and further develop their creativity.
BTO Partner, Lesley Gordon, who sits on the board of Art in Healthcare said:
“Many people know someone with dementia or someone who has been affected by a relative or friend with dementia. We asked our team if they could spare some time to assist at these art workshops and were overwhelmed by the positive response.
We are very much looking forward to assisting Art in Healthcare and the residents at Hillside View Care Home over the coming months.”
4 October 2018 by
Art in Healthcare