Art Therapy for Cancer Patients in Dungannon

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is providing an art therapy service, free of charge, for cancer patients in Dungannon and the surrounding area.

Running from 5th March, for six weeks, the art therapy group will meet every Tuesday in Dungannon Hospice from 11am-12.30pm.

Wendy Roberts, who will be facilitating the Cancer Focus 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 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. 

“I know from personal experience the benefits of art therapy,” Wendy said. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and in 2000 I saw an advert for the Cancer Focus art therapy service and it really struck a cord with me. I had no art experience or training but it was something that I was interested in.

“I signed up for a 10 week programme and it was an amazing experience. Not only was it a great opportunity to meet other patients who were going through the same things but it was a very safe environment to open up and talk.

“You worked very much at your own pace and got a chance to use and experiment with all kinds of different mediums – clay, pastels and paints. I was relieved that you didn’t need any kind of background in art, just an open mind and a desire to make or create something.

“There was a lovely atmosphere among the group and we knew that no one was judging us or what we created. We were encouraged to experiment and I found that very liberating.

“Cancer for me was a very emotional experience. Sometimes I just couldn’t find the words to express how I felt but through art therapy I was able to connect with my emotions and give voice to my feelings. I had a real sense of ease and unburdening.  I just loved it!

“Using the art therapy service provided by Cancer Focus encouraged me to take things further and when the programme finished I signed up for an art therapy summer school run annually by NIGAT (Northern Ireland Group for Art Therapy) before enrolling in a foundation course in art and design at Lurgan Tech.

“I then went on to do a degree in Fine Art at theUniversityofUlsterand a Masters in Art Psychotherapy. I did several placements during my Masters training and happily the last one took me back to Cancer Focus. I helped deliver art therapy sessions for the charity in Dungannon andBelfast, which felt like I had come full circle.

“When I think back to the time that I was diagnosed with breast cancer I would never have imagined the path my life would take as a result.”

The art therapy sessions provided by Cancer Focus (the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation) 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.

Patients are required to pre-book as there are a limited number of places available. To book please contact Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email care@cancerfocusni.org. For more information click on www.cancerfocusni.org