Hospital Arts Programme January - March 2019

Hospital Arts Programme

The Value of Meaningful Activity St John's, Western General, Royal Infirmary and Royal Edinburgh

January - March 2019

Hospital Arts Programme January - March 2019

The Value of Meaningful Activity Introduction to Programme Happy New Year to everyone; we hope you all had a good festive period and are starting the New Year hopefully having had a restful break!

As usual this year we will be aiming to provide a variety of activities across hospitals, involving short and long stay patients, relatives, visitors and staff. A stay in hospital - no matter how short - is a stressful experience and can also be increasingly isolating the longer you stay in hospital. Therefore, we are constantly looking at ways to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing for patients in acute and elderly care settings.

We are acutely aware of the difficulties staff face in delivering care; we aim through our activities to collaborate with and give support to those individuals and care professionals who are on the front line.

We know from feedback from patients, relatives and staff how much a couple of hours of meaningful activity can lift an individual out of their present circumstances into a more positive place. We witness these shifts in mood and levels of concentration first hand in the James and Hannah Workshop WGH

Š James McLardy workshops, and it is these recurring moments that sustain our belief in the importance of meaningful activity in people’s lives, especially in the context of a stay in hospital.

The approach we take within Artlink workshops is to create a space where artists,

staff and patients can enter into a 'making' process together. This may be a general activity, i.e. weaving or painting, but the activity is tailored to the abilities of the patients taking part. It is often subtly altered during the five week process of the workshop to further respond to and engage with the people taking part.

We work with professional artists who are flexible and responsive in their approach and sensitive to the situations patients are in. It is this empathy that starts and sustains conversations and opens up possibilities and potentials. We have witnessed how activity can change behaviours and seen how the process of working alongside someone can change distressed and confused behaviour into engaged and concentrated behaviour that would have seemed impossible at the beginning of the workshop. For example on stroke, care of the elderly and dementia wards, patients have gained confidence over a simple five session making workshop, shifting from an initial reluctance to take part to spending one and a half hours engrossed in creating the work. One lady, who has limited memory, and who at the start of the workshops spoke in one word sentences, towards the end of the workshops was heard to say, 'This makes me feel like I can do something.' Relatives watching their husbands, wives, mothers or fathers engaged in meaningful activity are lifted by such positive responses.

In an earlier life, Artlink was responsible for curating exhibitions in spaces across the four hospitals. We no longer have responsibility for these spaces but continue to see the value of showing staff and patient work in each hospital. As a result we now work closely with nursing staff to show the work made by patients in and around the actual wards where the work was made. This has been met with real enthusiasm from staff and patients, as it is the most accessible and natural way to display the work. Read more about the Western General and Royal Infirmary later on in the brochure.

Working together is the best way to overcome barriers and improve the ward environment for everyone. As those involved begin to value meaningful activity, it then becomes a goal that we all share and work together to attain.

Hospital Arts Programme Team

Ward 17 Workshops

© Anne Elliot

St John's

St John's

Š Anne Elliot

Workshops Art Workshops with Anne Elliot Anne Elliot has been working on Ward 17 at St John’s. Ward 17 is a Acute Psychiatric ward with a changing group of patients. This is often the first ward that patients are admitted to, and it is on this ward that they undergo initial assessment and suggested treatment. People will often move from an acute ward to a rehab ward, while others will move back home from this ward.

High levels of anxiety and displacement are often displayed by patients on the ward, therefore activity has to be devised to try and alleviate anxiety in order to help individuals concentrate on the workshop. Anne has been working closely with Daniel Doig, Occupational Therapist on ward 71 where they have been facilitating workshops where the idea was developed by the staff. This encourages patients to create a tree as a metaphor for their journey whilst in hospital. The messages that patients draw or paint on its leaves, trunk or branches depict different positive elements of their individual journeys.

"As part of the therapeutic approach to recovery we are asking that in preparing for your discharge you will help this tree flourish and leave a message to those who have yet to complete their journey. When contemplating your message please consider how hopeless people feel about their state when admitted here and sometimes this hopelessness can be masked." Ward 17 staff.

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St John's

Laura Key, the clinical Associate in the Applied Psychology unit at St John’s got in touch with us last year asking if Artlink could help brighten up the waiting areas in their department. We had a look at the spaces and chatted to Laura and her colleagues to find out what they were looking for. Through conversation we arrived at the idea that artist Vanessa Lawrence will work with patients and staff to produce art works to brighten the space. There is something special about artworks having a direct association with staff and patients who are either cared for, or work in the unit. We look forward to what Vanessa achieves with the Applied Psychology unit and will update you and share photographs in the next brochure.

Days and times to be agreed with the unit.

Open to all users of the unit.

Art Taster Workshops It’s Monday morning, who wants to do some art? We know you do! Patients have told us that after a long weekend where there are no planned activities so it’s great to start Monday morning off with a group activity. The art groups on ward 17 have been very well attended and there is a wealth of creative talent waiting to be unleashed. So join in and explore craft based activity with Anne in a series of taster

© Anne Elliot

New 5 week making workshops

Watercolour Painting with Vanessa Lawrence

workshops.

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St John's Workshops

Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot Artlink has been building a portfolio of ways of working with stroke patients across the Western General and the Royal Infirmary. Building on the knowledge and links already established with the staff on the Stroke Unit at St John’s, artist Anne Elliot will introduce a variety of new taster art activities for patients, exploring ways that art can complement their rehabilitation.

© Albie Clark

Events Sarah Phizacklea St John’s here she comes! Sarah is Artlink’s multi-instrumentalist, golden voiced superhero and is always a hit on the wards. It was a wonderful 2018 visiting all the hospitals and now she is looking forward to starting the year back at St. John’s and ready to explore new songs with new people. The power of song is tangible but what songs speak to you? We all have one or two that resonate and often brings us together. Sarah will be working with patients and staff over five sessions in order to find those songs with special meaning. She will also share some of her favourites with you. Enjoy a relaxed hour of live music and chat as she takes you on a journey through the years, singing your favourite songs along the way.

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St John's Events

Singin' and Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings 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 singing in the new year with songs that cheer us up and bring us together. The unifying effect of music is powerful and Annabel is delighted to be back at the Stroke Unit and on Ward 17 for 2019. Patients and staff alike have been clearly enjoying the healing power of song. New friends at the stroke Unit proclaimed ‘You are really treating us to something very special here!' as staff and patients danced to the music.

Annabel has had a great time connecting with patients and she looks to the new year to build upon these positive bonds. She will be visiting the activity rooms and going bed to bed with her unique brand of entertainment and chat, inviting you to join her in singing together, sharing stories, laughing, dancing or simply sitting back and enjoying some entertainment.

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ST JOHN'S EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot*

Mondays 4 , 11 , 18th, 25th February 4th March

10.30am -12.00pm

Ward 17

Art Taster Workshops with Anne Elliot+

Thursdays 7 , 14 , 21st, 28th February 7th March

10.00am -11.00am

Stroke Ward

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

11am - 12pm

Ward 3

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

10.45am -12.00pm

Stroke Ward

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

10.45am -12.00pm

Stroke Ward

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

10.45am -12.00pm

Stroke Ward

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 17

th

th

th

th

Wednesday 23rd January

Sarah Phizacklea*

Wednesday 6th and 20th February Wednesday 6th and 20th March Wednesday 16 January th

Miss Annabel Sings^

Wednesday 13th February

Wednesday 13th March

Vanessa Lawrence 5 Week Making Workshops^

Dates to be agreed with the unit

* Open to patients on Ward 17 + Open to patients on the Stroke Ward ^ Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

11.00am -12.30pm 1.30pm - 3.00pm

Applied Psychology Unit

Wards 71 & 72 Workshops

Š Trevor Cromie

Western General

Western General Introduction In the overall introduction we touched on the process we engage in when delivering workshops. In the October to December quarter artists Hannah Imlach and James McLardy worked on Ward 71 and Ward 72. Initially we were going to be working with Rachel Muir who was the only activity co-ordinator at the Western General. However as Rachel left to go back to college we then had a more involved conversation with the senior charge nurses on both wards, Carol Paterson of Ward 71 and Kirsten Smith of Ward 72. This proved to be very productive, and I left the meetings with the words 'simple is the most effective' ringing in my ears.

Both wards are 26 bed rehab wards; patients are aged 65 and upwards with the majority of patients aged 80 and over. The average stay is four weeks but some patients can be on the ward for longer. Patients tend to have cognitive impairments as well as mobility issues.

James and Hannah worked in the bright and airy communal dayrooms of each ward. All patients on these wards have their own bedroom, which is great, but it can be isolating. Therefore, creating an opportunity where they can get round a table to work together is important. James, Hannah and a member of the nursing staff worked with four patients per workshop; the numbers had to be small as everyone pretty much needed one to one work to engage in the workshops. The process was simple and the materials of high quality.

For the first three workshops everyone sat round huge sheets of watercolour paper collaborating on one artwork per workshop. In the fourth and fifth workshops each patient had their own watercolour paper stretched on a board.

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Western General Introduction

Š James McLardy

Over five weeks of workshops levels of confidence grew, and while some patients forgot their involvement from the previous week, their level of skill and engagement somehow got better. Conversations developed, kindred spirits gravitated towards each other and a rapport between all was nurtured and encouraged. All the way through this, mark making, fragmented memories, careful and gestural paint strokes combined to make impressive works.

'The collaborative process and the collective atmosphere of working together provide a safe space in which people feel encouraged to not only take part but also to talk about those things in their lives which they can still remember.

'Some relatives started dropping in at the times they knew this activity was taking place, to see their loved ones engaged in a different activity, creating something beautiful also lifted their spirits.

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Western General To hear patients say "There is some talent here" and "It makes me feel like I can do something" lifts everyone’s spirits.

'While the main benefit is the level of engagement achieved in the workshops, we are so proud of the beautiful works they achieved that we want to frame them and hang them in the day room. How can we get you back to work with us again!'

Kirsten Smith, SCN Ward 72

'Having an activity that patients so clearly engaged in offers them an opportunity to interact differently with each other and with members of the nursing team.

It's uplifting to see individuals bond with each other, offering words and looks of encouragement. Another patient taking your hand and smiling says a lot. It's also great to see the pride they take in the work throughout the workshop. We also love the works and are determined to hang some of them in the communal dayrooms, replacing some of the works we already have on the walls with work that patients have done.'

Š Trevor Cromie

'The daily activity of the ward and delivering the high levels of nursing care our patients deserve is very time consuming. While we have two great communal dayrooms on the wards, they are often used just for watching telly and mealtimes.

Carol Paterson

Carol Paterson, SCN Ward 71

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Western General

© Anne Elliot

Workshops Art Taster Workshop with Anne Elliot Building on the links established with the nursing staff on Ward 50, artist Anne Elliot will return to try out a variety of new taster art activities for patients. These will be designed for people to work together and where possible they will take place at the patient’s bedside.

Artlink have been working with other stroke units in St John's and the Royal Infirmary, and are building up a portfolio of ways of working with stroke patients.

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Western General Events

Magdalena Durant After a wonderful winter at the Royal Infirmary Magdalena Durant is ready for a new adventure back in the dayrooms of the Royal Victoria Building. Magdalena is an old friend of Artlink's hospital arts programme and an accomplished classically trained singer and teacher. We are excited to invite her back to share her gentle and bright personality and get the new year going with a song.

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Staff and patients are always in a good mood once Magdalena has visited and always ask her to come back again soon. After an hour with her they feel refreshed and uplifted. They also always ask when she is entering The Voice, so look out for her in a dayroom on your ward before TV fame and fortune find her! She is bound to brighten up your day with some of her favourite classical songs, opera and pop songs from all over the world.

ALL NEW! Volunteer Variety Hour Artlink Hospital Arts have been working with some incredible volunteers over the years, and we want to show them and their skills off in the all-new Volunteer Variety Hour showcase.

Every quarter we will be celebrating volunteer groups and organisations local to the Royal Infirmary, The Western General and St. John’s.

(Continues overleaf)

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Western General Events

ALL NEW! Volunteer Variety Hour (cont.)

We have had singers, storytellers, choirs and all manner of musicians volunteer over the years.

During 2018's annual Fete at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital visitors and staff were wowed by the inspiring Harmony Choir, an Edinburgh based community led choir that (in their own words) 'started out as a research project to investigate the benefits of singing in a choir for mental health - and to raise awareness of, and change, mental health stigma. The research project proved that well-being, enjoyment and sense of connectedness improved after every rehearsal compared to before, and that singing in a choir with people from different mental health backgrounds can reduce some of the stigmatizing attitudes surrounding mental health. Due to popular demand, the choir is still rehearsing together and has continued to attract new choir members. We enjoy each other's company at our weekly rehearsals as well as a varied musical repertoire, uniquely arranged by our choir director Ben Jones.'

This quarter we will be focusing our time on a public space at The Western General Hospital. Keep your eyes and ears peeled as we cheer up the whole hospital community over lunch. These events will be take place close to the main entrance and reception area in the Anne Fergusson building.

If you are interested in Volunteering your or your group's musical or dance skills for a date during the next quarter (April – June 2019) at St. John's Hospital then please do get in touch with Miss Annabel Sings at missannabelsings@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk and start the conversation!

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Western General Events

The Vintage Chorus This brilliant choir is made up of people who are over 50 and are led by the fabulous Wendy Hunter and Duncan on keyboard. They're visiting the Western after two hit performances at ERI where they cheered up the whole hospital community. They also meet weekly at The Festival Theatre. If you are interested in joining visit: www.capitaltheatres.com

Harmony Choir If you are interested to hear more about the choir, or are thinking about joining, please email enquiries@harmonychoir.com or visit our website at harmonychoir.com

Alan and Ron's Songs and Stories Alan and Ron have been volunteering on the wards at The Western General for nearly three years for Artlink. These two lovely chaps have been sharing their songs and stories on the RVB wards, but now we thought it’s about time we share them with you! Alan and Ron enter stage left, it’s your time to shine in front of the whole hospital community!

Alan and Ron will also be performing on the wards as usual; please see page 21 for details.

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Western General

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Events Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings 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 singing in the new year with a celebration of songs that cheer us up and bring us together.

The unifying power of music is strong and Annabel is pleased to be back at the Western where she is always inspired by the stories patients share with her about the Dance Hall days and growing up in Edinburgh. Patients always comment how good they feel to be out of their room joining in with the group. One lady left the room dancing last year. 'I feel young again!' she smiled. Annabel will be visiting the dayrooms with her unique brand of entertainment and chat, inviting you to join her to sing together, share stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.

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Western General Events

All New! That's Entertainment After a successful few months bringing in a new scheme of entertainers to care of the elderly Wards 51 and 55, Artlink and Miss Annabel Sings are excited to build on this, and start 2019 with friends old and new paying you a visit. Expect a dazzling variety of poets, magicians, musicians and singers who are just a taste of the amazing variety of artists and talent in Edinburgh right now.

Have a look below to see who will be visiting your ward to brighten up the day with some enlivening entertainment.

Sarah Phizacklea This golden voiced multi-instrumentalist will be sharing her favourite songs and what they mean to her.

Max Scratchmann Burns Night was last weekend but, no fear! Max is visiting to share his favourite Scottish literary fayre.

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

Toby Mottershead Captivating live music from Edinburgh's premier Rhythm 'n' Blues man.

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Western General

This classically-trained singer will be bringing you pop and opera hits from all over the world.

WGH 150 Celebrations It has been a real pleasure meeting up with staff past and present over the last year or so to hear more about their connection to the Western General. Artlink has been supporting the hospital to find ways of marking 150 years of healthcare being provided on the site; from its first incarnation as the Craigleith Hospital and Poorhouse to what it is today - a hive of first class healthcare on a site that also supports over 80 different plant species.

Our meetings have involved copious amounts of coffee, running a half marathon, enjoying the talents of musical medics of the 1960s and meeting some of the folk who were born - and now work - at the Western. The conversations have given a real insight into the strong bonds that form when working in a hospital, and we have also found some pretty decent runners amongst you! These encounters and more can be found on the WGH150 blog at www.westerngeneral150.blog There is more to come in early 2019 as we complete the WGH150 timeline.

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Staff born - and now working at - The Western

The value of Meaningful Activity

Š Albie Clark

Events

Magdalena Durant

EVENTS CALENDAR - WESTERN GENERAL EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Art Taster Workshop with Anne Elliot+

Mondays 4 , 11 , 18th, 25th February 4th March

2pm - 4pm

Ward 50

11am - 12pm

Ward 72 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73 Day Room

11am - 12pm

Ward 70 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71 Day Room

11am - 12pm

Ward 72 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73 Day Room

11am - 12pm

Ward 70 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71 Day Room

11am - 12pm

Ward 72 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73 Day Room

th

th

Tuesday 15th January

Tuesday 29th January

Magdalena Durant*

th

Tuesday 26 February

th

Tuesday 5 March

Tuesday 26th March

The Vintage Chorus째

Tuesday 22nd January

12.30pm - 1.30pm

Main Entrance Anne Fergusson Bldg

Harmony Choir째

Saturday 23rd February

2.30pm - 3.30pm

Main Entrance Anne Fergusson Bldg

Alan and Ron's Stories and Songs*

Wednesday 30th January

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 72 Day Room

Wednesday 27th February

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Ward 71 Day Room

Alan and Ron's Songs and Stories째

Tuesday 27th March

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Main Entrance Anne Fergusson Bldg

Sarah Phizacklea+

Tuesday 15th January

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 51

Max Scratchmann+

Tuesday 29th January

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 55

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

EVENTS CALENDAR - WESTERN GENERAL EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Magdalena Durant+

Tuesday 5th February

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 51

Tuesday 26th February

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 55

Tuesday 26th March

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 51

Tuesday 12th March

1.45pm - 2.45pm

Ward 55

11.00am - 12pm

Ward 70 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 71 Day Room

11.00am - 12pm

Ward 72 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 73 Day Room

11.00am - 12pm

Ward 73 Day Room

1.15pm - 2.15pm

Ward 70 Day Room

Paul Novak+ Toby Mottershead+

Wednesday 23rd January

Singin’ & Reminiscin’ with Miss Annabel Sings +

Wednesday 27th February

Wednesday 20th March

+ Open to patients and staff on the ward/s

Claire Barclay and Laura Spring Workshop

© Trevor Cromie

Royal Infirmary

Royal Infirmary Introduction In the October to December quarter artists Claire Barclay and Laura Spring have been working with Carey Moss and Kim McGovern. Carey and Kim are the only two activity coordinators at the Royal Infirmary and cover wards 101, 104, 201, 202 and 203; some are stroke wards and some are medicine of the elderly wards.

Since the patient profile on these wards varies, Claire and Laura had to come up with an activity that would work across all wards.

On the medicine of the elderly wards a large percentage of patients have dementia, which means we have to tailor activity to individuals who have memory loss, communication and language difficulties, impaired reasoning and judgment abilities as well as changes in visual perception.

Š Anne Elliot

On the stroke wards patients may experience sensory and communication difficulties, problems reading, writing, and mobility issues as well as increased levels of tiredness and fatigue. On top of this they are dealing with the emotional stress of having had a stroke.

Kim McGovern

Claire and Laura decided to try weaving exercises with the patients, as it was a straightforward process with a high degree of repetition. This encouraged movement dexterity but also worked with dementia patients as the repetitive movements, over one, under one, became something all patients could process and understand.

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Royal Infirmary

Working round a table on table-top looms meant that everyone could see what everyone else was doing. Akin to the process of work songs where people improvised rhythmic songs for waulking the tweed, the under one, over one cycle brought about a rhythm that engaged and relaxed people. It became therapeutic in the true sense for patients, staff and artists alike, creating connections between everyone, creating those 'human moments' essential to the wellbeing of us all.

Š Trevor Cromie

Workshops

Making Workshops (cont.)

'The Weaving workshops started at the beginning of November; when first organising these workshops the view was to try and have the same patients throughout the five weekly sessions we had organised. This was quite difficult due to patients being discharged; however it actually ended up being very advantageous as people ended up adding to a piece of weaving that another patient had worked on the previous week. This resulted in different colour and pattern choices on each weave, which was not only visually interesting but also meant that each piece had the "signatures" of each of the people who worked on them. This has allowed a lot of patients to work on the pieces developed over the workshops and resulted in six finished pieces which are so lovely we have framed them and want to put them up on the wall of one of the rooms we do activities in.

'The workshops have been great for building each individual patient's confidence, as many of them doubted their ability to create a woven piece. It was great to see the shift and change in mood during the workshops, moods lightened and lifted

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Royal Infirmary Workshops

Making Workshops (cont.) due to both the activity and the chat that went on between everyone. The change in some patients has been amazing to see and It was lovely to hear the stories about their lives and hobbies, it helps us all understand each other better. These workshops have given them the confidence to be able to use the skills they have, to take part in the activities they enjoy.

'These workshops were meant to be based in a room setting but due to unforeseen circumstances we had to adapt some sessions and go bed to bed. As usual we all just mucked in and the bed to bed working was also a great success, which just shows that you can adapt these workshops to any situation.

'All in all the patients who took part in these sessions have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we look forward to working more with our Artlink colleagues on future workshops.'

Kim McGovern, Activities coordinator Wards 102, 202 and 203 'The patients have clearly enjoyed these workshops; the feedback has been very positive and has lifted the mood of the ward.'

Š Claire Barclay

Advanced nurse practitioner

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Royal Infirmary

Artist Laura Aldridge will be working with activity coordinators Carey and Kim and the patients of Wards 101,104, 201, 202 and 203. We are still talking about what we are going to do at the time of writing the brochure but we know that the previous workshops with James McLardy & Hannah Imlach and Claire Barclay & Laura Spring have not only produced wonderful work but allowed us to gain a greater sense of what works and what doesn’t.. We will share the story of what happens with some photographs in the next brochure.

Days and times to be agreed with the wards.

Carey and Kim will select patients to participate in these workshops.

Events

Max Scratchmann Max is a fantastic performance poet, storyteller and multi media artist who uses different story telling tools. Now, the New Year is here he is inviting you to wax lyrical and explore new skills or build upon old ones for an hour. Join Max for some really fun creative writing workshops where he will perform some of his own lively and amusing poems and show you how to write your own verse and/or stories.

The value of Meaningful Activity

Š Albie Clark

New 5 week making workshops

Laura Aldridge Workshops

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Royal Infirmary Events

Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings 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 singing in the new year with a celebration of songs that cheer us and bring us together. The unifying power of music is a strong one and the emotional memory of a song can be powerful.

Annabel is pleased to be back for a regular session at the Infirmary and will be visiting the activity rooms and going bed to bed with her unique brand of stories and song, inviting you to join her to sing together, share stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL INFIRMARY EVENT

DATE/S Tuesday 8th and 22nd January

Max Scratchmann*

Tuesday 5th and 19th Febuary

Tuesday 12th March

Wednesday 9th January

Miss Annabel Sings+

Wednesday 6th February

Monday 18th March

Laura Aldridge 5 Week Making Workshops*

Dates to be agreed with the wards

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

TIME

VENUE

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 201 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104 ERI

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 201 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104 ERI

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 201 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104 ERI

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 201 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Activity Room at 104 ERI

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 201 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Ward 202

2.30pm - 3.30pm

Ward 203

10.45am - 11.45am

Activity Room at 104 ERI

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Ward 101

10.30am - 12.00pm

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Wards 101,104, 201, 202 and 203

Tom Krasny Workshop

ŠTom Krazny

Royal Edinburgh

Royal Edinburgh

We have been working with the Robert Fergusson National Brain Injury Unit for an extended period of time over the last year. This is a specialist clinic for the treatment of patients from across Scotland who have suffered psychiatric or behavioural problems after a head injury. The unit has a multi disciplinary team which includes nursing staff, neuropsychiatrists, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, art therapy and social work. No two patients' needs are the same and the team work together to create bespoke care plans around each patient.

Anne Elliot had been working with Lynda Girvan, art therapist and also the OT team, especially Alice Landrock. They have been working on generating ideas for an artwork that celebrates the patients and the work of the unit. It takes time to establish ways of working and at a certain stage we brought in a new artist, Tom Krasny, to take the project onto a new level and develop a series of workshops with patients and staff.

Tom worked on four workshops to further test approaches that would have meaning to the patients. Working with a lightweight foam material, Tom constructed pieces that could be deconstructed and reconstructed by the patients – a bit like arty, colourful, oddly shaped, building bricks.

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Š Anne Elliot

Introduction

Royal Edinburgh

Tom has recently been on arts residencies in Japan and Portugal but will return to the REH in mid January to present options for artworks to patients and staff on the unit. Once they have decided on an option they will begin to produce the interactive artwork that will be sited on the ward when completed. More photos and updates to come once the work is in place.

Tom’s way of working was such a hit on RFU that we decided to offer her the vitrines commission at the REH which she will also be starting in the new year. Trevor will be coming round all the wards to arrange with staff for Tom to work with every ward.

If you would like to talk to me about it in the meantime or let me know you want to participate just email me on trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk We are really looking forward to see the amazing artworks that develop.

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Š Tom Krasny

We were amazed at how well some patients took to this process, happy to take the pieces apart and reconstruct them in whatever way appealed to them. For some people reconstructing was about colour combinations; for others it was about putting different shapes together. The activity captured patients' attention for up to an hour and a half, which is a mark of success on the Robert Fergusson Unit! We knew that we had hit on something that was of meaning to patients on the unit. 'This is exciting work.' Lynda Girvan, art therapist.

Royal Edinburgh

Š Tom Krasny

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. Days and times to be agreed with the RFU.

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. If you want to get involved you can also email me at trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Days and times to be agreed with the wards.

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Royal Edinburgh

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. Our plan is to make bird boxes in time for the nesting season. Places are limited so please book in advance.

Open Art Studio with Anne Elliot On Wednesdays The Glasshouses art studio is the place for idea, imagination and artistic creativity. It is a meeting place where participants old and new gather to share ideas, knowledge and techniques. 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.

Some comments from participants: "It is nice to have all ages in the art group. It is friendly and relaxed" "Makes me feel accomplished" "The art group is sociable and rewarding" "The art group is a chance to improve your skills" "Art is good for the brain!"

"Enjoyed the art group and the company"

© Albie Clark

Workshops

D.I.Y. Culture with Anne and Neil

"You can surprise yourself with what you can do and take pride in what you have done"

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Royal Edinburgh

We are excited that we will be in the Glasshouses till the end of the 2019 and will continue to use the Glasshouses at the Royal Edinburgh during the 2019 growing season. Slow Gardening picks up pace early in the year; the warmth in the greenhouses enables us to start with sowing tomatoes, onions and sweet peas in January! If you have never tried gardening before Anne will introduce you to the joys of working with plants and nature both inside and outside. 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. Find out for yourself and try something new in 2019.

© Anne Elliot

Workshops

Slow Gardening with Chris Jones and Anne Elliot

One-to-One Art Session with Anne Elliot Anne is offering the opportunity to make art on a one-to-one basis. This is only open to a few people. 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

Back in the summer of 2018 regular attendees to the Glasshouses and members of Artlink’s Curious Routes project teamed up to make banners for the Procession event. The event was a great success so we will be teaming up again in 2019!

The group will have a unique opportunity to work with the Soul Food Sisters Community Kitchen in a series of workshops in Glasgow. It is hoped the exchange will inspire those who take part to be more adventurous when it comes to culinary styles as well as building their networks in the community. As Soul Food Sisters say "Sharing food is good for the soul. As Soul Food Sisters, we share recipes, experiences and a love of food. Although we come from diverse cultures, we all share the same passion for food; food at the heart of family and social life, the fuel of our relationships. We want to share these feelings and experiences in every plate we serve!"

For more information on this project contact Anne Elliot. www.soulfoodsisters.org

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© Anne Elliot

Expanding Links with the Wider Community

Soul Food Sisters

Royal Edinburgh

Š Anne Elliot

Volunteering Volunteering Teams Artlink has been working with The Conservation Volunteers since 2009. Over the past ten years, large teams of volunteers have worked on many outdoor projects at the Royal Edinburgh. They have undertaken major conservation projects, digging, weeding, creating paths, painting garden furniture and making raised beds in ward gardens and at the Glasshouses. Individual volunteers have also helped on the art and gardening groups.

"The Glasshouses are a safe non clinical space with lots of encouragement and support to concentrate on art and gardening, giving something back by volunteering and giving support to others."

Karina Davies, Volunteer

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EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL EDINBURGH EVENT

DATE/S Tuesdays

Soul Food Sisters, Glasgow°

15th, 22nd & 29th January; 5th February

One-to-One Art Session with Anne Elliot*

VARIOUS TIMES

TIME

VENUE

TIMES TBC

Glasshouses

VARIOUS TIMES

VARIOUS VENUES

11am - 12pm

Glasshouses

1pm - 3pm

Glasshouses

1pm - 3pm

Glasshouses

PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE

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

Wednesdays

16th January - 20th March 10 workshops in total

Wednesdays

Open Studio with Anne Elliot*

16th January - 20th March 10 workshops in total

Slow Gardening at the Glasshouses+

10th January - 28th March 12 sessions in total

Tom Krasny - Making an Artwork for RFU"

Dates and times to be agreed

TIMES TBC

RFU and Studio time

Tom Krasny - Vitrine Project<>

Dates and times to be agreed

TIMES TBC

New Royal Ed. Building

Thursdays

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

Ben Nardone Supper Club

Š Miss Annabel Sings

Prospect Bank

Prospect Bank Introduction It has been a time of introducing new activities and working on new ideas at Prospect Bank. Notably the new Supper Club (a bi-monthly event which has quickly become a firm favourite on the ward calendar). Every other Monday Miss Annabel Sings and staff have been working together to create this exciting series of 'nights out at home' for residents, families and staff.

Listening and learning has been the key to building up a calendar of successful activity. The colder, darker evenings have been the perfect time to do this and Artlink have had the pleasure of inviting six completely different musicians in to entertain everyone. Prospect Bank have been great hosts and have provided delicious themed food and refreshments for the Supper Club. Anne Elliot and The Wednesday Art Group at The Royal Edinburgh hospital made stage decorations and tablecloths that helped to make the ambience extra special.

'The residents are so happy' has been the feedback every week and we are starting to see family members come back each week to share in the experience with their family. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about after all! That and the incredible staff and all the work they do to make residents time at Prospect Bank a happy and comfortable one. Staff are invited to join us at the Supper Club and we have seen a significant shift in mood during the hour; some have even been seen to be dancing.

As the New Year arrives we will be building upon the success of the Supper Club.

Inviting entertainers (from the local and wider community) old and new to Prospect Bank. Miss Annabel is returning with her regular monthly singing and reminiscence group with a new theme. Prospect Bank Gardens will be getting a makeover and the Conservation Volunteers will be working with staff to further improve their

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Prospect Bank Introduction (cont.) outdoor space. Prospect Bank: get ready for a magnificent year! We will also introduce an event called Prospect Bank’s Got Talent and will be working over January to find out the many talents that staff, residents and relatives have that will inform this event. For instance, we know that one staff members talent is folding a towel into the shape of a chicken. She will be showcasing this talent at the event!

As part of a wider plan to get other organisations working at Prospect Bank, there are also whispers of a dance project with staff training starting in the New Year in collaboration with Dancebase, Edinburgh. We look forward to seeing (and hearing) what happens!

© Anne Elliot

Events The Supper Club Supper Club is back for a new season of entertainment in sumptuous surroundings.

We are inviting a variety of musicians from Edinburgh’s vibrant live music scene to entertain with a series of exciting evening events in the style of a Supper Club. This is a chance for staff, families and patients to dress up and share in the experience.

Each event will take place in the dining room and be hosted by Miss Annabel Sings with help from Prospect Bank Staff.

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Prospect Bank Events

Cammy Sinclair Music, song and laughs with a firm favourite from Edinburgh’s Live Folk scene.

Wendy Weatherby Cello, stories and songs from the marvellous Wendy.

Magdalena Durant This classically trained singer will be bringing you pop and opera hits from all over the world.

Sarah Phizacklea This golden-voiced multi-instrumentalist will be sharing her favourite songs and what they mean to her.

Toby Mottershead Captivating live music from Edinburgh’s premier rhythm ’n’ blues man.

Scott Heywood as ELVIS! We are so excited to invite Elvis impersonator Scott to entertain us for our last Supper club of the spring season. Polish up those rhinestone boots... ELVIS IS IN THE BUILDING.

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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 with 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 new movie themed hour and a chance to sing together, watch classic film clips and share stories, laugh and dance (or simply sit back with an ice cream and enjoy some cinematic entertainment).

Prospect Bank's Got Talent!

Artlink are supporting staff at Prospect Bank to create an afternoon of good old-fashioned entertainment in the form of a talent show. What's your talent? It can be anything from voice throwing, joke telling, spoon playing, tap dancing, cake baking, quilting, singing, towel folding. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter what it is, as long as you are prepared to share it with others. We want to hear from you! We all have passion and talent and we would love for staff at Prospect Bank to share theirs.

We also need people to help with food and drink on the day so let us know if you are a secret chef. Speak to activity coordinator Jess Cody or email missannabelsings@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk to find out more. We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge you; that job has been assigned to the residents on the day!

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EVENTS CALENDAR - PROSPECT BANK EVENT

DATE/S

TIME

VENUE

Cammy Sinclair*

Monday 14th January

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Wendy Weatherby*

Monday 28th January

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Magdalena Durant*

Monday 4th February

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Sarah Phizacklea*

Monday 18th February

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Toby Mottershead*

Monday 11th March

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Scott Heywood*

Monday 25th March

6pm - 6.45pm

Prospect Bank

Tuesday 8th January

3pm - 4.30pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Tuesday 12th February

3pm - 4.30pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Tuesday 19th March

3pm - 4.30pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Saturday 2nd February

2pm - 4pm

Living Room at Prospect Bank

Singin’ & Reminiscin’ with Miss Annabel Sings*

Prospect Bank's Got Talent*

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

Volunteering

After a busy few months meeting our volunteers and putting on a training event we are looking forward to making the new Reading friends project a staple part of the hospital week in 2019.

Š The Reading Agency

Following on from Artlink and Elaine Gallagher's very successful 'A Book and a Blether' sessions at the Royal Infirmary we are now bringing reading-related activities to some wards. Look out for our fabulous new volunteers who will read to you, read with you and have a good old blether to pass the time. We hope filling some of those quiet moments on the wards with activity and events around reading will brighten your day and leave you feeling enlivened.

Our aim over the coming months will be to place volunteers on the wards and look at the best ways to support them, through small group meetings and exchanges of ideas.

One senior charge nurse at the Western General who highlighted how much her patients love to read is keen to explore (using her words) 'The universal language of books and reading.' We are also starting to set up a book group on a ward at St. John's. This is an exciting start to our new phase of the project.

Artlink are working with Scottish Book Trust and the Reading Agency, who are supporting this new scheme with books and materials for the wards and support for the volunteers. If you are interested in doing something new in 2019 why not try volunteering for the Reading Friends scheme?

Please contact missannabelsings@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

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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

© Anne Elliot

Ward 50 Art Workshops with Anne Elliot

13a Spittal Street Edinburgh EH3 9DY artlinkedinburgh.co.uk Artlink is a company registered in Scotland No. 87845 with charitable status, Scottish Charity No. SCO006845

James and Hannah Workshops, WGH. Š Trevor Cromie

Artlink Edinburgh & The Lothians