Hospital Arts Programme April - June 2019

Hospital Arts Programme

Sweet Harmonies St John's, Western General, Royal Infirmary and Royal Edinburgh

April - June 2019

Hospital Arts Programme April - June 2019

Sweet Harmonies Introduction to the Programme As usual in the brochure we want to give you a flavour of what's happening across the hospitals we work in, some highlights from the programme, who's involved in it, what's happened recently, and most importantly what's on in the coming months.

Artlink delivers arts workshops and events in hospitals across Edinburgh. We have a team of artists and performers who run workshops and events that vary from hospital to hospital, for example, anything from singing performances on elderly care wards, to sculpture and painting workshops on stroke wards.

It's important these activities and events continue to be informed by staff and patient requests. We need your feedback, so keep the requests coming!

Social Spaces We know how time can drag when you are in hospital; it can be a worrying time and in addition you are removed from things familiar to you. With this in mind we try and structure activities and events that will take your mind off things, even if it's only for a few minutes. We create periods in the week where you can look forward to taking part in an activity. Our participative workshops often have a strong social aspect, creating the time and space for you to be entertained, get lost in making something, or quite simply enjoy the company of other patients.

We think that it's important within all our workshops and events that we make sure there are opportunities to strike up conversations with each other. This helps everyone discover shared interests and common threads and creates bonds between people. Social interaction is what keeps most of us going through our normal week, and this is no different during your stay in hospital.

Our performative workshops and live events also help bring some structure to your day, a bright point to look forward to in the week. These events give you a chance to reminisce and share memories. At these events you can sit back, relax and listen to music, stories and songs. We love it when patients just can't help joining in with the singing. Studies suggest that communal singing improves our mood, and can help alleviate stress, depression and anxiety, so what's not to like!

We are always happy to talk to new people in order for those conversations to help shape what we deliver. With that in mind we will be starting to work with Frances Aitken, Senior Charge Nurse / Practice Improvement and Development and we would also like to welcome Angela Gray, Participation and Engagement Manager, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation (ELHF).

Frances Aitken, Senior Charge Nurse Hospital Arts Programme Team at the Glasshouses in Project Improvement/Development will offer support to general adult facilities to identify interventions that could be put in-situ to reduce patients' distress within acute medical environments. Her first placement was in Medicine of the Elderly at the Western General Hospital and she told us, "We have begun a programme of education that staff can incorporate into their busy days, which explores techniques and interventions that reduce stress and distress for patients. This has proven very successful so far! Daily workshops are held on wards to allow as much staff participation as possible and avoid impact on their ward routine. So far over 100 members of staff have attended. All Senior Charge Nurses/Deputy Charge Nurses, within Medicine of the Elderly, have signed up to the full day course at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

It is hoped that these educational sessions will enable staff to better understand distressed behaviours and have the tools to plan holistic care and activity for each person."

Š Albie Clark

Working in Partnership

Sweet Harmonies Angela Gray, Participation & Engagement Manager, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation has extensive experience of producing and delivering participatory arts programmes and is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of the arts. Her role as part of the ELHF team will be to support and build on the existing art programmes delivered by ELHF-funded organisations such as Artlink and Art in Hospitals.

Angela is currently developing a website for the ELHF Arts programme alongside a small-scale marketing programme that aims to help engagement and promote ownership of the arts programme by NHS staff, patients and visitors. This role will also develop evaluation methods and research opportunities to enhance learning, knowledge and generate opportunities through nurturing relationships with practitioners, artists, researchers, funding bodies and key partner organisations.

The Artlink Hospital Arts team welcomes them both and looks forward to working with them both in the future.

Hospital Arts Programme Team

Vanessa Lawrence Workshop

Š Trevor Cromie

St John's

St John's Workshops

Introduction The Psychological Therapies Service at St John's approached us last year asking if there was anything we could do to brighten up the waiting area and public corridors of their department. The waiting area and corridors have no natural light and are quite gloomy. After meeting with staff, we all agreed that it made a lot of sense to have works created by staff and outpatients brighten the walls of the department.

Š Trevor Cromie

We invited artist Vanessa Lawrence to develop a 5 week making workshop, with one workshop in the morning and one in the afternoon, to ensure that as many people as possible involved with the service could get involved.

The department staff team have been brilliant and taken the work on board with gusto! We wanted to have two sets of workshops, one morning and another in the afternoon and we asked participants to sign up for the entire 5 weeks to give them time to make something beautiful. We originally asked that one member of staff would take part in each of the sessions, and have been delighted to see that this has been over subscribed! We love it when we are met with this level of enthusiasm, as it usually leads to a pretty successful outcome.

All participants have been brilliant. We are really impressed and excited by the level of creativity and skill they have brought to the workshops. Concentration in the room is palpable, although we still find time to talk about our favourite

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St John's

artists and what kind of art we like. Quite a few people have brought in their sketchbooks, drawings and photographs of paintings they have made at home. It has been a real pleasure to see the different creative skills that everyone has.

We look forward to sharing the artworks that come from these workshops in the next brochure.

"I had forgotten how calming and therapeutic simply sitting down and drawing /painting something can be. The hour and a half flew by as I became really wrapped up in what I was doing. Observing myself and the other participants, it also reminded me that while talking openly about thoughts and feelings can be very mental-health promoting, staying generally quiet and concentrating whilst 'doing' is also hugely valid in a different way for our psychological well-being."

Craig Barton Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP) "When I realised that I could join in as a staff member, at the Psychological Therapies department Artlink workshops, I was both excited and apprehensive. I’m fairly creative in some areas but not when it comes to art or painting! However it’s impossible to be daunted in the serene environment created

by Vanessa, with her gentle but enthusiastic encouragement.

© Trevor Cromie

Workshops

Introduction (cont.)

(continues over)

Sweet Harmonies

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St John's Workshops

Introduction (cont.)

I was almost immediately 'lost' in the moment, which was only broken by the easy conversation in the room with the other (much more talented) participants.

I was also very touched to be able to experience the other participants who have utilised the department for treatment, being able to express themselves artistically and having a less intense and stressful experience of being here. The fact that they are contributing their time and artistic efforts back to the department is incredibly heartening – there is going to be an amazing gallery of talent on display here."

Sharon McMenemy Psychological Therapist “What a fantastic opportunity for patients and staff. The sessions that I have been involved with have felt very therapeutic and the artwork produced has been incredible. It has been really lovely to interact with patients in a different way and see the joy that taking part in such a course has created for them. I can’t wait to see the pieces framed and up in the waiting area!”

Sinead Murray Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology

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St John's Workshops

Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot Hidden Talents – let us help you uncover them.

© Anne Elliot

Artist Anne Elliot will introduce a variety of taster art activities for patients on the Stroke Unit, exploring ways that art can add to their rehabilitation. This will include techniques such as collage, printing, weaving, painting and textiles.

Our musicians at Hospital Arts come from the eclectic and vibrant Edinburgh music scene. An old friend of Hospital Arts, Magdalena is an accomplished classically-trained singer and teacher who travels around the world sharing her love of song through her beautiful voice.

We are excited to invite her back to back to St. John's to share her gentle, bright personality.

We hope she brings loads of sunshine back with her as she will be sharing opera and music with local Brazilian communities during the month of May. She is bound to brighten up your day with some of her favourite classical, opera and pop songs from all over the globe.

Sweet Harmonies

© Miss Annabel Sings

Events

Magdalena Durant

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St John's

Š Albie Clark

Events Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings: Let's Dance!

With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of songs from every genre, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating songs that bring us together and get us moving back to the days of the Dancehall.

The unifying power of music is a strong one and Annabel is pleased to be back to share her love of songs and some stories she has heard during her time on the hospital arts team. She will be returning to Ward 3 and the Stroke Unit with her unique brand of entertainment and chat, inviting you to join her to sing, share stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ST JOHN'S EVENT Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot+

DATE/S Thursdays 6 , 13th, 20th, 27th June 4th July th

Tuesday 9 April th

Madgalena Durant^

Tuesday 28 May

VENUE

10.00am -11.30am

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Stroke Unit

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Stroke Unit

th

Tuesday 11th, 18th and 25th June

Wednesday 24 April th

Singin' and Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings^

TIME

Wednesday 22nd May

Thursday 27th June

+ Open to patients on the Stroke Unit ^ Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

Harmony Choir

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Western General

Western General Harmony Choir Performance goes down well at the Western General, so we were delighted that HarmonyChoir agreed to put on a performance in the main foyer area of the hospital. We've had a few public performances in the past and they are always very well received. We look forward to the next time they can join us to cheer up the hospital community!

HarmonyChoir are a group of singers, some of whom have lived experience with mental health symptoms. The group come together to sing, enjoy each other's company and positively challenge the stigma that is so often associated with mental illness. As their name suggests, the HarmonyChoir sing four-part harmony, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. All of their music is arranged by their very talented Musical Director, Ben Jones. Currently their repertoire includes Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Bad Day, Con Te Partiro, You Will Be Found, Mr Songbird, I Will Survive, Wind of Change, and Stand by Me. There is growing evidence that supports the health benefits of communal singing; it reportedly strengthens the immune system, can be a great physical workout and even helps improve your posture! There are also the psychological and emotional benefits from singing, as it's known to release endorphins that are a natural anti-depressant; it can also lower stress and improve mental alertness.

And then there are the social benefits in singing together. It can quite simply widen your circle of friends, boost your confidence and help you improve your communication skills. So armed with that information let's hear some more of those sweet harmonies.

All are welcome to join the HarmonyChoir, no auditions and no previous experience required. All you need to do is love singing. You can find out more at harmonychoir.com

Sweet Harmonies

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Western General

This workshop will be our first opportunity to work with Frances Aitken, Senior Charge Nurse for Project Improvement/Development as part of her work with ward staff to reduce patients' distress within acute medical environments. Our plan is to provide five week making workshops on two wards that Frances has been working with at the Western General. The wards and artist are still under discussion at the time of writing the brochure but we will feedback on workshops in the next brochure.

Wards, dates and times to be decided.

Š Anne Elliot

Workshops

New 5 Week Making Workshops

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Western General

Building on the links established with the nursing staff on Ward 50, artist Anne Elliot will move next door to Ward 51 from May through to June. Anne will introduce a variety of new taster art activities for patients including techniques such as collage, printing, weaving, painting and jewellery making. These are designed for people to work together and where possible they will take place at the patient's bedside.

Events

Paul Novak We all love a magic trick or two! Magicians remain one of the UK's most well-loved variety acts in clubs, pubs and theatres and they never fail to appeal to people from all corners of the hospital community. The Artlink Hospital Arts team is excited to invite the brilliant Paul Novak onto our team of regular entertainers.

Paul has been entertaining patients, staff and visitors for a few years now at one-off gigs on the wards and at events such as the annual fĂŞte at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Now, this fabulously funny, close-up magician will be popping by to pass some time with you by chatting, laughing and mesmerizing you with a little close up magic. Paul also weaves his fascinating knowledge of the history of magic into his shows.

Sweet Harmonies

Š Albie Clark

Workshops

Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot

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Western General Events

Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings: Let's Dance!

With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of songs from every genre, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating songs that bring us together and get us moving back to the days of the Dancehall. The unifying power of music is a strong one and Annabel is pleased to be back to share her love of songs from the era as well as stories she has heard during her time visiting the wards. She will be returning to the wards at the Royal Victoria Building and visiting Ward 50 for the first time with her unique brand of entertainment and chat. Inviting you to join her to sing, share stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.

Alan and Ron: Stories and Song Life is full of stories and even better when it's filled with songs. Join our wonderful volunteers Alan and Ron for an hour of storytelling and song, some old and some new to tap your toes to. Alan and Ron have been volunteering at the Western General for a few years and are always a favourite on the wards. We are happy to welcome them back to spread more joy.

All New! That's Entertainment It's been a year so far with patients, staff and visitors alike enjoying a dazzling variety of poets, magicians, musicians and singers. This quarter we have invited back some firm favourites as well as new artists to Wards 51 and 55. That's Entertainment will continue to give the wards a taste of the eclectic array of performers gracing the stages of the Edinburgh performance scene right now.

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Western General Events

All New! That's Entertainment Have a look below to see who will be visiting your ward to brighten up the day with some enlivening entertainment.

Wendy Weatherby Funny Scottish songs, stories and cello music from the marvellous musician, Wendy.

Miss Annabel Sings Edinburgh's Queen of Cabaret is visiting the wards for the first time to entertain with tunes and tales from the world of showbiz.

Max Scratchmann Storyteller and performance poet Max will be bringing a selection box of his favourite stories and poems to share and enjoy.

Paul Novak Comedy, chat and magic from everybody's favourite close up magician.

Sweet Harmonies

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EVENTS CALENDAR - WESTERN GENERAL EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Art Taster Workshop with Anne Elliot+

Tuesdays 14 , 21st, 28th May 11th, 25th June

2pm - 3.30pm

Ward 51

11am - 12pm

Ward 70

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71

11am - 12pm

Ward 72

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73

11am - 12pm

Ward 70

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71

11am - 12pm

Ward 72

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73

11am - 12pm

Ward 70

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71

11am - 12pm

Ward 70

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 50

11am - 12pm

Ward 72

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 50

11am - 12pm

Ward 73

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 50

Tuesday 30th April

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 71 Day Room

Tuesday 25th June

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 72 Day Room

th

Tuesday 2nd April

Tuesday 16th April

Paul Novak+

th

Tuesday 7 May

st

Tuesday 21 May

Tuesday 4th June

Tuesday 30 April th

Singin’ & Reminiscin’ with Miss Annabel Sings: Let’s Dance!+

Wednesday 14th May

Monday17 June th

Alan and Ron: Stories and Song*

* Open to patients and staff on all wards in the RVB building + Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

EVENTS CALENDAR - WESTERN GENERAL DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Tuesday 2nd April

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Ward 51

Tuesday 16th April

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Ward 55

Tuesday 7th May

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Ward 51

Tuesday 21st May

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Ward 55

Max Scratchmann+

Wednesday 4th June

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 51

Paul Novak+

Tuesday 18th June

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 55

EVENT Wendy Weatherby+

Miss Annabel Sings+

5 week making workshops+ + Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

WARDS, DATES AND TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED

Laura Aldridge Workshops

© Trevor Cromie

Royal Infirmary

Royal Infirmary Introduction Artist Laura Aldridge has been working on Stroke and Medicine of the Elderly Wards with Carey Moss and Kim McGovern, the only two activity coordinators at the Royal Infirmary.

We have worked with Carey and Kim over an extended period of time, suggesting artists and workshops as frequently as we can. We are aware of how stressful their jobs can be; devising and delivering a weekly programme of activities is much harder than you might think. We hope that by working alongside Carey and Kim that it both supports them in their work but also adds to their repertoire of skills.

New artists coming onto wards offer new ways of working, providing a distraction for staff and patients, as well as that much needed social space we talked about earlier in the brochure.

At the beginning of a new workshop block we usually start with an activity that allows us to assess levels of dexterity, attention span, spacial awareness etc. This helps us to work out how to make the workshops relevant to all who take part.

Sweet Harmonies

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Š Trevor Cromie

Patient profiles on the wards vary, but many of the patients we work with have memory loss, communication and language difficulties, impaired reasoning abilities as well as changes in visual perception. In addition on the Stroke Wards we work with individuals of all ages who are dealing with the emotional stress of having had a stroke.

Royal Infirmary

Š Trevor Cromie

Workshops

Making Workshops (cont.)

For this series of workshops Laura decided to begin with a block printing workshop. Each participant created their own printing blocks by cutting out foam shapes and sticking them onto wooden blocks. The blocks were then inked up with a particular colour and pressed onto paper. People worked with four or more colours, building patterns and shapes. Some people created abstract repeat patterns, others made pictorial works. One lady, who was leaving the ward to go home that day, made a work that ended up telling the story of her and her husband, where they live and about their love for each other. The artwork was tightly grasped in her hand as she left the workshop as she wanted to bring it home to show to her husband. The workshops still have a few weeks to run so we we'll share some images with you in the next brochure.

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Royal Infirmary New Workshops

Textile Workshops: Focus on Fabric Artist Anne Elliot will be working with activity coordinators Carey Moss and Kim McGovern on a series of 5 making workshops. They will work across the wards to create a colourful, embroidered patchwork hanging.

The groups will be working with fabrics and textile designs that span several decades from a collection of fabrics that Anne has been collecting for many years.

Anne has a long history of developing workshops working with textiles, making banners and hangings, and will bring this wealth of experience to this project, not to mention an amazing collection of fabric!

Events

Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings: Let's Dance!

With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of songs from every genre, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating songs that bring us together and get us moving back to the days of the Dancehall. The unifying power of music is a strong one and Annabel is pleased to be back to share her love of songs as well as some stories she has heard during her time on the hospital arts team. She will be returning to the activity rooms on Wards 201 and 104 with her unique brand of entertainment and chat, inviting you to join her to sing, share stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.

Sweet Harmonies

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Royal Infirmary

Š Albie Clark

Events Sarah Phizacklea She's back! Sarah is Artlink's multi-instrumentalist, golden-voiced super hero and is always a hit on the wards. She kicked off the year at St. John's with great success and enjoyed creating bonds through song with and between participants.

Sarah and ward staff saw a clear lift in the mood of patients, as well as improved and happier communications between everyone both during and after the sessions.

Sarah always leaves the wards inspired. One patient said to her recently they felt so happy listening to and singing songs that they 'could do it all day'. In April to June she is returning to all five wards we work with at the Royal infirmary. She will be bringing her sessions bed to bed and hoping to find that special song that speaks to you.

We all have songs that inspire us, so don't be frightened of suggesting a few. Look out for Sarah and share some musical moments with her.

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL INFIRMARY EVENT

Textile workshops: Focus on Fabric+

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Tuesday 21st and 28th May

10.30am - 12.00pm

Wards 201 and 101

Tuesday 4th, 11th and 18th June

10.30am - 12.00pm

Wards 201 and 101

Tuesday 4th June Monday 10th June Tuesday 18th June Monday 24th June Monday 1st July

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Ward 104

11.00am - 12.00pm

Ward 101

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 201

11.00am - 12.00pm

Ward 202

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 203

11.00am - 12.00pm

Ward 104

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 101

11.00am - 12.00pm

Ward 202

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 203

11.00am - 12.00pm

Ward 104

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 201

10.45am - 11.45pm

Activity Room at 201

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104

10.45am - 11.45pm

Activity Room at 201

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104

10.45am - 11.45pm

Activity Room at 201

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104

Wednesday 3rd April

Wednesday 1st May

Sarah Phizacklea* Wednesday 15th May

Wednesday 29 May th

Wednesday 12th June

Thursday 11th April

Miss Annabel Sings+

Wednesday 8th May

Wednesday 5th June

* Open to patients and staff on wards 101,104, 201, 202, 203 + Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

Soul Food Sisters

Š Anne Elliot (inc. facing page)

Royal Edinburgh

Royal Edinburgh Introduction In January 2019, Anne Elliot and a group of 10 women - who use the REH or are part of Artlink's community projects - have had the unique opportunity to work with the Soul Food Sisters Community Kitchen in a series of workshops in Glasgow.

We wanted to make links for women outside of the hospital and mental health community, providing them with the opportunity to experience something entirely different. Soul Sisters introduced them to Turkish, Polish and Algerian foods, working together to make breads, dips, sampling soups and gluten-free recipes. These workshops were inspirational, encouraging all involved to be more adventurous in their food choices, building new friendships, learning new skills, and most importantly having the opportunity to learn new cooking skills from some amazing teachers.

"It was fascinating meeting women from different countries and learning how to cook their local delicacies. It was always a lovely atmosphere; there was a good camaraderie. Whilst we were learning something it was always great fun at the same time." Sue

Sweet Harmonies

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Royal Edinburgh

"It was a privilege for Soul Food Sisters to share a great experience with Artlink; we really appreciate your time and your support. Personally I enjoyed meeting them all, it was a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, and I hope to see you all again. It was very encouraging working with you and your group. We got the impression that we knew each other very well, we were all comfortable, confident and relaxed; we learned and shared our stories. We have a new great networking group and we hope to continue working with you in the near future."

© Anne Elliot

Workshops

Introduction (cont.)

Soul Food Sisters

Talking about food, what’s the new theme for the summer programme at the REH? It’s Pizza Pizza Pizza: All the pizza you can’t eat!

Anne Elliot and her collaborators always come up with a different theme for her workshops in the glasshouses and this year it's about letting your imagination go wild around the theme of pizza. As the title gives away there will be no foods harmed in the making of the pizzas; instead you are invited to use any material other than food to create fantastical pizzas that will be displayed at this year's summer fete. Your pizza artwork can be made by everyone on a ward or by one

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Sweet Harmonies

Royal Edinburgh

person, all we ask is that you bring your creations to the Glasshouses on the week of the fete. Anne will be in touch with more details closer to the time. If you have any questions in the meantime just get in touch with Anne. You know where she is.

We also have a full programme of workshops at the Glasshouses, open to everyone on the wards, from art to gardening to DIY. The level of peer support displayed in these groups is life affirming; people go out of their way to support each other through good and bad times. It's uplifting to witness, and also aids peoples' road to recovery.

Š Anne Elliot

Workshops

Introduction (cont.)

Things are moving apace at the Royal Edinburgh, though we have to admit we are a little behind with both Tom Krasny projects; it's just a logistical thing and we will be back on track this quarter so look out for Tom on the wards and for a photo update in the next brochure.

We also hope that the window decals for Merchiston Ward will be installed over this period, so look out for images of those in our July to September 2019 brochure.

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Royal Edinburgh Workshops

Tom Krasny in the RFU Tom will be returning to the Robert Fergusson unit to present ideas for the final artwork. Once the staff and patients have made a selection we will go into production of the artwork.

Tom Krasny Vitrine Project All the wards have a 'storage' panel which separates the communal dining space and living areas. At the top of these units are glass display boxes that can be viewed from both sides of the space. Some wards have already started to use these in inventive ways but we would now like to bring Tom in to work with all the wards to build on some of these ideas. We want these spaces to be 'galleries' for imaginative and creative artworks. Trevor will be coming round each ward to find out if you would like Tom to work with you. If you want to get involved you can also email trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

New - Glasshouses Summer Theme We invite entries to the inedible pizza competition. Yes, you read that right!

Use your imagination and creative skills to decorate your pizza. You can use cardboard or sticky back paper, paper collage, paint on card, knitted with wool, papier-mâché, sew-on fabric or any other material you can think of to make your fantastical pizza. Don't hold back, let your imagination have free reign. No food should be harmed in the making of your pizza! Your entries will be displayed at this years REH Summer Fete where prizes and certificates will be presented.

Need help? Contact Anne to arrange a Pizza Making Workshop on your ward.

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Royal Edinburgh

© Anne Elliot

Workshops D.I.Y. Culture with Anne and Neil The Glasshouses are open to patients and staff who have an interest in skills-based activity working with wood, paint and plants as well as maintaining the much-loved Glasshouses. Places are limited so please book in advance.

Open Art Studio with Anne Elliot The Glasshouses art studio is the place to explore your ideas and let your imagination and artistic creativity loose. It is a meeting place where participants old and new gather to share ideas, knowledge and techniques. Where old friends make new friends. It is a great space to work on large-scale art projects, and somewhere to paint without worrying about making a mess. All materials and protective clothing are provided.

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Royal Edinburgh Workshops

Slow Gardening with Chris Jones and Anne Elliot

Š Albie Clark

The growing season at the Glasshouses will be in full swing. If you have never tried gardening before Anne and Chris will introduce you to the joys of working with plants and nature, both inside the glasshouses and outside in the garden space. The benefits of gardening activities, the camaraderie you establish with your fellow gardeners and the new skills you learn are really beneficial to both physical and mental health. We will be planting out vegetable seedlings, planting potatoes and bringing on potted plants for sale. Find out for yourself and come along and grow your own.

One-to-One

Š Anne Elliot

Anne is offering the opportunity to make art on a one-to-one basis. These sessions can take place either at the Glasshouses or on the wards. This is an opportunity to work in a quiet space, on a larger scale artwork or a special project idea.

If you know someone who would benefit from these one-to-one sessions please contact Anne Elliot to discuss and book a one-to-one workshop.

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Royal Edinburgh

© Anne Elliot

Event Annual Plant Sale Thursday 30th May 10am – 3.30pm, Glasshouses Come along and buy plants - all grown in the Glasshouses - to help stock your ward garden or your garden at home. Plants sell very quickly so arrive early to avoid disappointment!

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL EDINBURGH EVENT

DATE/S Wednesdays

D.I.Y. culture with Anne and Neil*

Throughout April, May and June

Open Studio with Anne Elliot*

Throughout April, May and June

Slow Gardening at the Glasshouses+

Annual Plant Sale+

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Throughout April, May and June

Thursday 30th May

TIME

VENUE

11am - 12pm

Glasshouses

1pm - 3pm

Glasshouses

1pm - 3pm

Glasshouses

10am - 3.30pm

Glasshouses

Tom Krasny in the RFU"

DATES AND TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED

RFU and Studio time

Tom Krasny - Vitrine Project<>

DATES AND TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED

New Royal Ed. Building

* Open to inpatients only + Open to anyone <> Open to all wards in the New Royal Edinburgh Building " Open to staff and patients on the ward

Dancebase Workshops

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Prospect Bank

Prospect Bank Introduction It's been a busy and exciting start to the year at Prospect Bank. Prospect Bank is part of Findlay House, a specialist Dementia unit in Leith. Artlink and staff have been working together to create a positive environment for those that live and work there, looking at ways to sustain activity by bringing the local community and different arts organisations into the unit to add to what's available.

A couple of highlights have been the fantastic 'Step in Time' project provided

by Dancebase; this included training sessions in creative movement for staff to which we invited activity coordinators from three hospitals around Edinburgh. The talented Dancebase artist Sheena Byrne then followed this by providing 8 Dance for Dementia sessions for staff and residents at Prospect Bank.

We have learned much about inviting in other organisations and we enjoyed seeing staff and residents connect with each other through dance and movement.

We would like to explore these sorts of partnerships in more detail.

Our next adventure is to transform the garden and break-out area in time for the spring with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers). Working alongside staff, residents and families we hope to create a Dementia-Friendly Garden that will become the place to relax in. We all agreed that it's important to have space for some quiet time during a busy working day.

Reading Friends has quickly become a firm favourite on the weekly calendar. A few of our brilliant volunteers and our volunteer coordinator Simon Jay have been visiting weekly and reading to patients. This is an ongoing project which we hope to embed into the unit over the coming year.

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Prospect Bank Introduction (cont.)

Simon will also begin to work towards Prospect Bank's Got Talent. Any opportunity to build the units morale and celebrate the unexpected. Look out for what happens next in next block's programme!

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Events The Supper Club The Supper Club is a series of evening events developed by PB staff and Miss Annabel Sings designed to create the experience of a night out (at home) in sumptuous surroundings. Believe or not we are back for our third season, and it sees the return of some of Prospect Bank's favourite musicians from Edinburgh's vibrant live music scene.

This is a chance for staff, families and patients to dress up and share an enjoyable experience. Each event will take place in the living room and be hosted by Miss Annabel Sings with help from Prospect Bank Staff.

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Prospect Bank Events

Ben Nardone Ben is back to top hat and tails the spring season with super songs and captivating stories from the musicals. There's no business like show business so dust off those vocal chords; it's show-tune sing-a-long time!

Wendy Weatherby Last season, Wendy had the room dancing, laughing and singing along to her funny Scottish stories and songs. Tonight she's back with another entertaining evening that is bound to get us jigging once more.

Miss Annabel Sings Life is a Cabaret old chum! So on that note, enter stage left Edinburgh's very own Queen of Cabaret. She's paying us a visit to share her favourite stories and songs from behind the red velvet curtain of showbiz.

Magdalena Durant This charming classically-trained singer is a favourite at Supper Club. Fresh from a month singing Opera in Brazil, Magdalena is back for more of your favourite jazz, classical and pop songs from around the globe.

Scott Heywood as ELVIS! We have invited Scott back to the building to entertain and dazzle with another selection of classics from The King. He was such a hit last season that there is no doubt he will get the room Rockin' and Rollin' once more!

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Prospect Bank Events

Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go to the Movies With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of your favourite songs from the movies, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating the rich history of music from the movies. Over the years at Prospect Bank, Miss Annabel has noticed that residents love film music and it always gets people dancing and remembering. Now, Annabel invites you to join her in the living room for a movie themed hour and a chance to sing laugh and dance together. The perfect way to kick off the day!

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EVENTS CALENDAR - PROSPECT BANK EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Ben Nardone*

Mon 15th April & Mon 24th June

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Wendy Weatherby*

Monday 29th April

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Miss Annabel Sings*

Monday 13th May

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Magdalena Durant*

Monday 27th May

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Scott Heywood*

Monday 10th June

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Tuesday 16th & 23rd April

11am - 12pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Tuesday 7th & 28th May

11am - 12pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Tuesday 4th& 18th June

11am - 12pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings*

* All events are open to patients, staff and families at Prospect Bank

The New Year saw the Reading Friends project become a staple part of the hospital week. Our new volunteer co-ordinator Simon Jay has taken up the reins and has been doing a wonderful job bringing it all together. He's met with our brilliant volunteers and gone with them onto wards to meet patients, sit and chat and read with them, in order to get to know them better and share stories.

Our volunteers bring their unique personalities to the role, tailoring stories and chit chat to the needs of different patients, whether it be sitting with a bed-bound resident at Prospect Bank to show photographs of Seafield's historical past, or a passionate recital of Rabbie Burns' love poetry for Valentine's Day in the Day Room at Western General. The daughter of one patient told us with delight how her mother's memories of the War had been triggered by a volunteer's story.

These unique interactions that come from volunteers regularly visiting wards can have such a transformative effect for staff, patients and visitors alike. An hour here and there, having a blether with a patient may not seem much, but we've already witnessed the positive effect it's having on those we've visited.

We've had regular visits to St. John's, Western General and Prospect Bank over the last few months, and the feedback has been very positive, not only from staff and patients, but also from volunteers, who have said how they’ve found the experience fun, humbling and very rewarding.

If you're interested in joining our volunteers, why not come and volunteer for the Reading Friends Scheme? Contact Simon Jay, Reading Friends Volunteer Co-ordinator (Monday and Thursdays) for more information. simon@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

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© Simon Jay

Volunteering

Artlink are working with the Scottish Book Trust and the Reading Agency, who are supporting this new scheme with books and materials for the wards as well as additional support for volunteers.

Developing Future Partnerships Artlink is an arts and disability organisation established in 1984. Artlink believes participation in the arts has an important role to play in realising personal and social change.

We want your involvement in this programme and your feedback on exhibitions, events and workshops. We depend on you to make this programme work and your participation will help us to shape future direction. So call or email us if you need more information, or you want to talk about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on or would like an activity placed on your ward.

Connect with Us @ArtlinkEdin

artlinkedin

ArtlinkEdinburgh

www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Contacts Artlink Office: 0131 229 3555 info@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Artlink Glasshouses: 0131 537 6127 glasshouses@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Information on workshops: trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk anne@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Information on events: missannabelsings@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Information on Reading Friends/Volunteering: simon@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

© Anne Elliot

St John's Ward 17 Art Workshops

This page: Soul Food Sisters Workshops © Anne Elliot

Artlink Edinburgh & The Lothians 13a Spittal Street Edinburgh EH3 9DY artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Artlink is a company registered in Scotland No. 87845

Cover image: HarmonyChoir © Miss Annabel Sings

with charitable status, Scottish Charity No. SCO006845

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