Art Journaling for Cancer Patients

Art Journaling allows cancer patients to use both art and writing to help them express their emotions and experiences in a private journal. You do not need any art or writing experience and Cancer Focus will be providing workshops to guide and offer ideas to enable patients to continue their journal at home or wherever they go!

Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist, Cancer Focus, who will be facilitating the workshop, said, “In my experience many patients find the creative process relaxing and they can unwind while chatting to others who are in a similar situation. We started the art journaling class as a one-off session but people have enjoyed it so much we have decided to extend it. Some people draw more, others focus on writing and some use collage materials. People can express themselves in whatever way feels most comfortable.

“We know that cancer affects everyone differently.  It can make people feel that they have lost control; increase feelings of isolation or reduce a person’s self-esteem.  However research shows that writing and creating art can have therapeutic benefits, giving people a voice and a means to express their experience of cancer. For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.

“We help each person create and maintain a journal or diary of their experiences on their cancer journey. During some workshops there will be the opportunity to share some of your work but this is entirely optional.”

Amanda Jess (45) from Lisburn, who is a medical secretary atBelfastCityHospital, was devastated to discover she had breast cancer in the spring of 2010 and underwent a partial mastectomy.

During visits to hospital she saw some brochures for Cancer Focus services and has taken part in several of the charity’s services including Art Journaling.  “I love art journaling therapy,” she said enthusiastically. “I’ve already finished one journal and have started my second. I use it to document my thoughts and emotions. If I’m feeling sad or anxious about something I’ll note it down. It’s like talking to someone. I also record days out with friends or my sisters-in-law. I went out with them recently to celebrate my birthday. Things like that.  It’s easier to express yourself on paper and your problems somehow don’t seem so bad. You ask yourself, what was I really so worried about?

“Alongside the diary notes I add in pictures I have drawn or collected, which I find very calming.Readingover it later on reminds me how much I have to be thankful for and how far I’ve come. “

Workshops will be held from 11am – 2pm on 28th September 2012, 30th November 2012, 25th January 2013 and 22nd March 2013.  The journals and all art materials are provided at the workshop. If you would like to register your interest or to find out more, please email us at joannerobinson@cancerfocusni.org.

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For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118 or

Derval McVerry, PR and Events Officer, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07812525531