Once inspired by a matron asking for colouring books, the Arts Manager, Emma Carr approached Farnborough College of Technology with a brief to design linear studies for patients and staff to colour in.
After presentations and consultations earlier this year with a new year group, 20 wonderful designs were submitted and a book was published by Frimley Health Charity in May. The second edition colouring book has already been used in the dementia wards by the activity nurses and are proving to give the patients a form of communication, engagement and grounding. Some have also been given to staff rooms as after the last book, the staff wanted to use them during their breaks to give them an element of calm and creative distraction.
ITU, elderly care and pre-operative wards have been issued with more to now be rolled out. This works well with the current visitor restrictions, giving an opportunity to create colour using the inspiration from the students designs. Patients and staff face challenges in life and art can help us to understand our experiences and express our emotions. Art- even colouring in a picture can help ease pain, offer hope and provide respite from the difficulties in our everyday lives.
The project came to a close just before the Covid-19 lockdown, and the colleges students sent home. Their tutors Jane Habgood and Charlie Gould said the project really focused the students and they were proud to be part of this amazing project once more.
We were also donated some really nice colouring pencils which suited single patients use too. Thank you to Outstanding Branding for your generous donation. We missed the deadline for #ColourClara, but please know that your colouring sheets were also used by the dementia team.
“Another year of such a rewarding project that we hope to continue in 2021. Later in the year, we hope to present the students with their own copy, but for now, please take pride in knowing what a difference you have made”.
We are currently looking for a sponsor to cover the cost of printing more and the supply of more colouring pens and pencils. The name or logo of the sponsor can be added to the books to recognise their support.
Neeve Galvin
Rafael Gomes
Chloe Daborn
Molly Grant
Yazmine Mills
Shannon Maxfield
Terme Moharrer
Astyn Williams
Kacey Nicholls
Hannah Morancie
Amy Turner
Niamh Fry
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