Art therapy for cancer patients in Ards area

The art therapy group will meet at Ards Hospital, Newtownards, on Fridays from 7th March – 11th April, 2pm to 3.30pm.

Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist with Cancer Focus, said: “You don’t 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. Many of those taking part 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 can often lower 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.” 

Fisherman Glenn Speers (40) got the shock news that he had rare adrenal cancer almost three years ago. Glenn, who lives with his wife Amanda and his rescue dog Misty in Comber, said:

“I’d been feeling unwell and tired generally for a couple of months, which I’d put down to long hours but nothing that I’d have bothered the doctor with. One morning I woke about 4am with a bit of a pain in my side and by breakfast time it was quite sore so I went to see an emergency doctor in Newtownards. She thought it might be a kidney stone and send me to the Ulster Hospital for a scan.

“By the time I got there I was pretty unwell. A scan showed a 5.5cm tumour and another 7cm in the area of my adrenal glands above one kidney and blood tests showed elevated tumour markers, which was a huge shock.

“At first a decision was taken not to remove the tumours as they were too close to the adrenal glands and the consultant was worried I might have a stroke if they operated.

“However, I got a call from a surgeon at Belfast City Hospital who explained all about it and I agreed to the operation. The tumours were removed, but it’s been quite a struggle over the last couple of years – I’ve had lymph nodes removed since then and I’m now in the care of the Bridgewater suite at the City Hospital.

“During my initial treatment, I just didn’t feel well, I was cooped up in the house, and got quite down. Then I saw an article in a local paper about Cancer Focus’s art therapy. Amanda said I should try it. I thought, what do I know about art, I can hardly paint at all. But I went anyway, and it’s been fantastic.

“There were about six of us in the group. It got me out again, meeting people who were in the same boat and it gave me an interest. I even bought paints. It was therapy in itself just to be among other people, painting and chatting, with conversation that wasn't just about our diagnosis or treatment and was light hearted.

“You don’t have to produce masterpieces and you don’t have to discuss or talk about anything in particular if you don’t feel like it – there is absolutely no pressure, which is one of the things I value about it.

“I don’t set out to paint anything in particular and that seems to work for me. I don’t think about what I’m doing until I look at it at the end.

“Sometimes the colours are bright, other days they are darker, depending on how I’m feeling. Your emotions and worries have a way of coming out and can show in your paintings without you realising it. Afterwards, if you want to, you can have a chat with the therapist about what you've done.

“It’s an oasis, an hour all to myself, which is just brilliant. As soon as I sit down I go into a little word all of my own. The therapists are very good and have a very easy way about them, it’s all very well done. I still have one-to-one sessions with a Cancer Focus art therapist that I wouldn’t miss. Even when I get home I still feel so relaxed.

“My friends now ask me how I got on at art instead of dwelling on my illness – it gives them something else to ask me about. It’s definitely something worth trying.”

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

To book a place please call Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]. For more information visit www.cancerfocusni.org.