Art Therapy for Cancer Patients - L'Derry

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is providing an art therapy service, free of charge, for cancer patients in L’Derry and the surrounding area. 

Starting on 6th March – 10th April, the art therapy group will meet every  Tuesday in the Resource Room of the Agnes Jones Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital from 2pm – 3.30pm. 

Eithne Gfeller, who will be facilitating UCF’s art therapy group said, “You do not need to be artistic or have any experience in art to enjoy the benefits of art therapy.  Art therapy can help people communicate anxiety or stress.  In my experience many participants find the creative process relaxing and they can unwind while chatting to others who are in a similar situation.   

“We know that cancer affects everyone differently.  It can make people feel that they have lost control; increase feelings of isolation and it can often reduce a person’s self-esteem.  However research has shown that creating art can have a positive impact - improving a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.  For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.” 

Margaret Rowlandson who attended a previous UCF art therapy group in L'Derry said, "I would encourage anyone who has been touched by cancer to discover the amazing healing properties of art therapy. It is not about being good at art, or even about learning to draw or paint, it is about having a safe space and gentle encouragement to express thoughts and feelings that are often hard to put into words.

“A diagnosis of cancer often comes as a shock and its treatment puts a strain on all the family, especially as most of us have all sorts of other issues to deal with in our lives.  Eithne provides a secure environment where each member of the group feels valued, but never pressured. The sessions reawakened an interest in art for me and just making time to concentrate on being creative -no matter what the results - was very relaxing and helped to get things into perspective. I cannot recommend it highly enough."

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

Cancer patients are required to pre-book, as there are a limited number of places available. To book please contact Joanne Robinson at UCF on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]