Art Therapy for Cancer Patients in Lisburn

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

Running from 4th March, for six weeks, the art therapy group will meet every Monday from 11am – 12.30pm at the Lagan Valley Hospital.

Joanne Robinson, Art Therapist with Cancer Focus, 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.” 

Dorothy Connell and Lindsey Malcolm, from Lisburn, have both used the Cancer Focus art therapy service.

Dorothy said she would definitely recommend art therapy. It was after she was diagnosed with myeloma five years ago that she first used Cancer Focus’ services.

“I picked up some leaflets atBelfastCityHospitaland went along to the Cancer Focus Zest for Life programme in Lisburn. I also attended one of the charity’s support groups, did creative writing and enjoyed a Beauty for Life treatment,” she said.

“Then I heard about art therapy. I thought that might be quite interesting, though I was terrible at art at school, absolutely awful. I thought we would be asked to draw something but we were told to draw whatever we wanted. We were just let get on with it. I did sunflowers on silver paper. When I got home my husband asked ‘Did you really do that?’ I was delighted.

“One lady drew a bridge and was upset because she couldn’t get to the other side. By the time the course finished she was able to draw the whole bridge. It was wonderful.

“I do more talking than art most days – we talk about everything. It’s a great chance to meet new people who have been through the same thing as you. I’ve made some good friends and we still keep in touch.”

Lindsey has been diagnosed with cancer five times since she was 28. Most recently she has had a double mastectomy and has had her thyroid removed because of pre-cancerous cells.

“My first experience of Cancer Focus, formerly the Ulster Cancer Foundation, was years ago when I came to a support group after I found I had Hodgkins lymphoma. I’ve used many of the services including one-to-one counselling, Zest for Life, yoga and complementary therapies.

“The first week at art therapy I painted grey and lilac colours – that was how I was feeling at the time. It was great to get those colours out there. My last picture was of daffodils. It was a happy picture – I’ve framed it, I love it,” she said.

“You don’t need any previous experience – I can’t draw. I feel that using colour is part of the healing process for me. It is lovely for me to be able to express myself in another medium. You feel cared for and safe at the sessions so you can really open up. 

“If it hadn’t been for all the support I’ve received from Cancer Focus over the years I couldn’t have got through the trauma of it all. It has been fantastic.”

Cancer Focus’s 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 Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email care@cancerfocusni.org