Wednesday’s special VE Day art therapy session beautifully bridged history with healing as our stroke patients created vibrant tributes to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The session was a shining example of how our weekly gatherings provide so much more than just an artistic outlet—they offer a sanctuary where recovery becomes a shared journey.

The room came alive as patients coloured poppies and Spitfire planes, icons that resonate with historical significance and personal triumph. Among our participants, Arthur especially demonstrated remarkable spirit by crafting a coloured, cut-out paper Spitfire. As he told us afterward, the session “woke him up and gave him purpose for the day”—words that capture the profound impact these gatherings have.

What makes these sessions special is how they transform rehabilitation into something joyful rather than clinical. Patients work on colour perception, dexterity, and precision, simultaneously rebuilding neural pathways and reclaiming independence. The concentration required to cut out shapes or apply colour with care translates directly to improvements in everyday tasks.

These weekly sessions demonstrate that healing occurs within a caring community. As patients interact with weekly artistic projects, they develop transferable skills in communication and cooperation. Confidence blooms alongside creativity, creating recovery that extends far beyond the art room.

Like the path to peace celebrated on VE Day, recovery after a stroke is not a single moment but a journey. Yesterday, we watched our patients add their meaningful chapter to that story—one poppy at a time.