We have had a busy time recently working with unpaid carers both online and in workshops, collaborating with VOCAL (Voice of Carers across Lothian).
After a year of online workshops we met up for a reunion in Edinburgh for a day of making and creating with artists Heather Lucchesi and Sam Fraser. On the day we experimented with photography and collage and as everyone relaxed, it made for some fun portraits and freestanding pieces.
A highlight of the day was to see some of the artwork made online in person too as participants had brought work along. The most fascinating came from our most recent sessions where the art materials packs had included a small model horse and a wooden box. Instead of immediately painting these we took time to think and discuss alternative ways to use them, firstly considering the phrase ‘This is not a box’. Alternatives included a garden, theatre and treasure chest. No answer was wrong or too imaginative and it is a great way to explore new ideas. Even though everyone began with the same templates, what emerged was individual and personal and to see them gathered together at the reunion for a photo shoot was the best way to celebrate their value.
It was wonderful to hear how important these sessions had been to the Carers to carve out some time for themselves and do something relaxing.
We’ve loved working with VOCAL and are excited that we have been successful in receiving funding from Shared Care Scotland through their Creative Breaks fund to continue this activity for the next year in Edinburgh and grow this work to offer workshops in Midlothian too. This Winter unpaid carers need respite and time for themselves more than ever.
Quotes from participants:
“I can share what I did with my mum and talk about the art work”
“It has been great to have dedicated time each week to focus on something I love doing but can usually never find the time. It’s stress relieving, calming and encouraging…”
More info about VOCAL can be found here: https://www.vocal.org.uk
9 November 2022 by
Amy Miles