Cancer Foundation Offers Artistic Distraction

A new art therapy service for cancer patients has been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) as a pilot in Londonderry.

UCF's art therapy service is being rolled out regionally with this being the first time it will be offered to local cancer patients in their own community.

Starting in September the group will meet every Tuesday for six weeks at Altnagelvin Hospital with all cancer patients made welcome.

For one woman, art therapy was a positive experience which gave her time out from treatment for breast cancer.

Tricia Collins was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2008 and during radiotherapy treatment, Tricia attended UCF's art therapy sessions in Belfast and was pleasantly surprised by the results.

Tricia said: "While undergoing treatment at Belfast City Hospital I was looking for something to occupy myself as I had too much time on my hands thinking about cancer, worrying about my family and the uncertainty of the future.

"Following a recommendation from a practice nurse I decided to try UCF's art therapy sessions.

"I admit that I was anxious when I arrived as I am not an artistic person and I had never done anything like this before.

"It was a wonderful experience as it gave me time out for myself. The process of creating something, even if it wasn't very good, helped to clear my mind.

"For once I wasn't thinking about cancer or other people and I left the session feeling relaxed and re-energized," she said.

Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist at UCF (pictured with Tricia Collins) commented: "Cancer can make people feel that they have lost control, it can increase feelings of isolation and reduce a person's self-esteem.

"Art therapy enhances coping strategies that involve taking positive steps towards an improved quality of life.

"For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.

"It can also act as a distraction for clients, providing time for relaxation, managing stress and improving mental health and emotional well-being."

UCF's Art Therapy sessions are entirely confidential and take place in a safe and caring environment and all materials are provided, free of charge, and clients can use a variety of mediums such as paints, pastels, pencils or clay.

(BMcC)